Jeb Bradley, NH Senate president, will retire at end of term

CONCORD — Senate President Jeb Bradley sent out a statement Thursday saying his career of service, which stretches over more than three decades, would come to a close at the end of his current term.

Bradley, (R-Wolfeboro), began his political career in 1991, serving in the state House of Representatives. He served four years in Washington as a member of Congress, and has served in the state Senate since 2009, and as president of the Senate for the past two years.

“We are blessed to live in such a wonderful state and nation, and I feel fortunate indeed to have represented the Lakes Region and Mount Washington Valley in Concord and the First Congressional District in Washington,” Bradley said in a prepared statement.

“I have enjoyed working together to solve some of the most challenging issues that have faced our state and in a small way, hope that I have made it a little better for our future generation. But there comes a time for all of us when it’s time to say goodbye. And for me, that time has come. I will not be running again to represent Senate District 3.

Bradley expressed gratitude to voters and to his wife, Karen. He said he plans to spend more time with family, traveling and hiking.

Tributes to Bradley were quick to follow his announcement.

Gov. Chris Sununu issued a statement saying: "Senator Jeb Bradley's career has been marked by his service to New Hampshire. Always engaged, always involved — Senator Bradley has been there time and time again to find consensus, get the job done, and deliver results for Granite State families. We wish him the best."

Sen. Donna Soucy, the Democratic leader in the state Senate, noted Bradley’s expertise in energy policy, and his dedication to service of those he was representing.

“From his time as the Chair of the House Science and Technology to his time as the Senate President, I have always known Senator Bradley to sincerely dedicate himself to finding bipartisan solutions, especially on the most challenging issues,” Soucy wrote. “You can always count on Senator Bradley to work to find a ‘Bradley Special’, and to challenge us all to do the same.”

Chris Ager, chair of the NH GOP, said Bradley has provided “exemplary service” in the state Senate.

“His leadership, characterized by integrity, wisdom, and an unyielding dedication to the well-being of all New Hampshire residents, has been a guiding light for our party and our people,” Ager wrote.

On the heels of Bradley’s announcement, state Rep. Mark McConkey (R-Freedom), who represents Carroll District 8, issued a statement of his intention to succeed Bradley in the state Senate.

“Senator Bradley’s retirement announcement is a bittersweet moment for all of us,” McConkey wrote. “Jeb is an absolute legend in the New Hampshire State House and he is someone who I have always tried to model my legislative career after. He stood by his principles, while standing up for those he represented. These are the traits that I believe made him a great public servant, and the traits that I will continue to bring to the Senate.”