5 Republicans running for 4 seats to represent District 5 in primary

WEIRS BEACH — Candidates vying to represent Laconia in the Statehouse gathered Aug. 28 at Paugus Bay Pub for a “meet the candidates” event organized and hosted by Rep. Mike Bordes and pitched voters on their campaign platforms.

State Sen. Tim Lang urged those in attendance to vote Republican. 

“Make sure to show up and vote the entire ballot, even against the guy that you didn’t want in as governor, or the girl you didn’t want as governor,” Lang said. “If they’re our nominee, make sure you show up and support every nominee on the November ballot."

The Belknap County Republican Committee sponsored a light buffet at the event.

Belknap County District 5, which includes Wards 1, 3, 4, 5 and 6 in Laconia, has four seats. Candidates on the Republican primary ballot include a mix of incumbents, newcomers and those looking to reclaim their seats. 

Bordes, who is seeking reelection, told voters he’s made it a priority to respond to constituent concerns.

“I am running for a third term in Laconia as a state representative,” Bordes said. “If you talk to people around here, especially small business owners, local condo association members and so forth, I am the first one to respond to their concerns and help them out. I often get responses when I speak to constituents and meet them face to face that nobody gets back to them — I make sure I get back to absolutely everyone. Whether I agree with them, disagree with them, my key is speaking to the people no matter what party they are.”

Bordes said it’s important for elected officials to work together to make tangible improvements for everyone. 

“In today’s partisan divide, I think we need to try to find a way to work together,” Bordes said. “Are Republican policies better? Of course, but not all Democrat policies are bad, so there [are] certain issues we can work across the aisle to benefit everybody in New Hampshire.”

Rep. Steven Bogert, who also represents Ward 5 on the Laconia City Council, stressed the importance of the county delegation in seeking reelection to the Statehouse. 

“The state rep. job is the easiest — you’re just one of 400, so you can do your business and vote, you're one in 400, and go home,” Bogert said. “The most important part of that is you become a delegate, a county delegate, one of 18. Now that one of 18 is very important, because you are overseeing the county, you oversee the county budget which relates to how your property taxes are set.”

Bogert told voters the county delegation has the responsibility of managing local policies. 

“You can affect more people’s lives by being a delegate than you can as a state rep., because remember, your odds are one in 400 on your vote,” Bogert said. “At the county level, which affects your daily life, you’re one of 18, that vote now is even larger, so think about how you want your county run. Think about how you want your departments, the jail, your nursing home — all of these things are what makes up the county — think about that when you want to go in and start on the bottom of the list and start picking names.”

Dawn Johnson, who served in the Statehouse between 2020 and 2022, is running again this year.

“I’m running for District 5 — Laconia Wards 1, 3, 4, 5 and 6,” Johnson said. “I have very simple main points: I stand for the Constitution and the Bill of Rights. Parents' rights, keeping boys out of girl’s sports and just making sure we stay free. Less taxes and more money in your pocket, it’s that simple.”

Johnson said her time spent in state politics is notable for never missing a voting session or committee meeting. 

“If you look at my past record, I’ve never missed a House session, I’ve never missed any committee meeting and I’ve always voted for what’s best for the citizens of Laconia and New Hampshire,” Johnson said. 

Sheri Minor is running for one of District 5's four seats. She said she’s lived in Laconia her entire life and will be engaged if elected. 

“I’m local, I’ve lived here my whole life, I’ve raised a family here — fully new to this,” Minor said. “I will 100% be there to do the job and make sure I’m there to vote. I know that’s the most important part.”

Minor said she’s a business owner and will prioritize representing Laconia if elected. 

“My platform is basically the same as everybody here — I’m a Republican, parental rights, educational freedom, no taxes,” she said. “Other than that, I will be there. I run a business, I have flexible time to put in the work and I’m looking forward to doing this.”

Richard Littlefield is also running in District 5. He served in the Statehouse 2020-22. 

Democrat candidates in District 5 include incumbent Charlie St. Clair, Erika Gray and Wendy Chase. 

And Lang told voters the races for state representative are vital.

“These state representative races are really critical,” Lang said.

“It’s extremely important in keeping leadership, keeping our chairmanships at the Statehouse, which leads our policy.”