Denise Riley: Denise Riley a candidate for Laconia's District 5 state rep

To The Daily Sun,

I am Denise Riley, a native of New Hampshire and candidate for state representative to serve the people of Laconia’s District 5. I have lived, worked, and owned houses in Laconia for over five years, and Laconia is my home.

I was born and raised in Manchester by devout Catholics who lived their faith through acts of service to immigrants and poor people. My mother was a registered nurse, and my father was a special delivery postman. My mother emigrated to the United States from Canada as a child and became a United States citizen. My father served our country in World War II and was awarded a Purple Heart for injuries he sustained, including loss of vision in one eye.

I attended public schools, earned a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice from Saint Anselm College, and for over 30 years I have been serving the public as a defense investigator protecting all citizens’ constitutional rights. I am a well-qualified candidate for state representative given the skills that I have employed for decades in my career in investigations: analyzing, collaborating, interviewing, writing, and most importantly for a state representative, listening — listening to understand, not simply to hear.

I am a first-time candidate for public office who became a politician on June 5, 2026, when I filed at city hall to run for state representative. While I have never held public office, I have long been politically engaged, and I have paid attention to how our current state representatives have voted. I can do better for the people of Laconia, and I look forward to meeting and listening to as many fellow citizens as possible to earn their vote. Reach out and/or donate to my campaign through my website, rileyforthepeople.com.

Denise Riley

Laconia