Latest news with #BillieButler
Yahoo
5 days ago
- Politics
- Yahoo
Democrat Billie Butler sworn in as state rep after Strafford County special election
Billie Butler, who won a special election to replace Dawn Evans in the New Hampshire House of Representatives in June, was sworn in to office Wednesday by Gov. Kelly Ayotte at the state's Executive Council meeting. Butler, a Democrat, defeated Republican Ken Hilton to represent the reliably Democratic Strafford County District 12, which includes Somersworth and Rollinsford. Evans, also a Democrat, had moved out of the district and resigned. On the campaign trail, Butler, an active member of the Seacoast area theater community, stressed her support for the arts and said she wouldn't take up divisive issues, telling Foster's Daily Democrat she 'would like to see more people run who do not have divisive agendas, but who really love New Hampshire.' During Wednesday's meeting, Ayotte also called for a special election for state representative in Coos County District 5, which includes Berlin. That seat has sat vacant since June, when Republican Brian Valerino resigned. Valerino, a former sheriff and deputy police chief, was nominated by Ayotte in May to be the Northern New Hampshire Correctional Facility's warden. The candidate filing period will be Aug. 18 through Aug. 22, the governor announced. A primary election is scheduled for Sept. 16, with the special election being held Nov. 4. If there's only one candidate from each political party, the primary election will be canceled, and instead, the special election will take place on Sept. 16. This article originally appeared on Fosters Daily Democrat: Billie Butler sworn in as state rep for Somersworth and Rollinsford Solve the daily Crossword
Yahoo
16-06-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Billie Butler, Ken Hilton battle for NH House seat amid anti-transgender attacks
SOMERSWORTH — Democrat Billie Butler and Republican Ken Hilton are competing for the support of Somersworth and Rollinsford voters in a special election for a New Hampshire House seat Tuesday, June 24. Butler, 54, who is a transgender woman, has been attacked by the Committee to Elect House Republicans, which created a website about her. Hilton, 65, said he has not seen the website, adding he doesn't want to see it. The candidates are running for a Strafford County District 12 seat in the House vacated by Democrat Dawn Evans, who moved out of the district. The winner's term will expire at the end of 2026. As a transgender candidate, Butler expected to be targeted, and she wasn't wrong. The Committee to Elect House Republicans is led by Rep. Jason Osborne, the House majority leader. It created a website using Butler's name and edited images to attack the candidate as "extreme," citing issues like gender-affirming healthcare and repeating frequently used anti-LGBTQ+ rhetoric. "It is completely hateful, but worse, it completely misrepresents me and my values," Butler said of the website. Osborne was asked to comment for this story. The response to the request came from Chris Maidment, executive director of the Committee to Elect House Republicans. Maidment said Butler is aligned with a "radical woke agenda" and "pushes policies prioritizing ideological extremism over practical governance." "Haters will hate," Butler said. "In the end, it only helped my campaign. All my signs are paid for, and I have received money for the campaign, as well as a lot of support from people. It served to make me more visible to people who didn't know me before." "I met Billie the night of the primary," Hilton said. "If elected, I would represent everyone, including Billie. We're all human beings made in the image of God, and we all deserve respect. As a Christian, I work every day to treat people the way I would like to be treated. We all need grace and mercy." Butler was unopposed in the recent primary for District 12, where the three occupied seats are all held by Democrats. Republicans hold the overall majority in the New Hampshire House with 219 seats. There are 177 Democrats, two independents and two vacancies. "I would like to help balance the legislature," Butler said. "I would like to see more people run who do not have divisive agendas, but who really love New Hampshire. I don't look at this like national politics, because it isn't. Our legislators are our neighbors, our friends. For $100 a year, no one is looking to make money. Really, the only people who can run are wealthy retired persons or people like me who work gigs that allow more flexible schedules." Butler said LGBTQ+ issues are important to her, but so is equality for everyone. Well-known in the Seacoast theater community, Butler said people are not going to find a stronger arts advocate for the arts. "People, Democrats, kept asking to run, so I finally did," she said. "I was independent for many years, and I am now a registered Democrat. My family and friends told me I should run, so when the seat opened, I said yes." Butler said she wants to help Democrats and independent voters get a fair shake. Butler said she realizes she can't change the world, or even the state, but she wants to be a voice for the people. Hilton, who easily won the District 12 Republican primary, is chair of the Strafford County Republican Committee. He said he is running because he wants to see less government. "Somersworth, Rollinsford, they need less involvement in their day-to-day affairs by both the federal and state government," Hilton said. "Most issues should be dealt with at the local level as much as possible. So, if you have a problem you go to city hall and talk to them. What's the chance of getting to go talk to Donald Trump, or even our delegation, Jeanne Shaheen, Maggie Hassan? You don't get to talk with them as a regular person. Local leadership works, that's why I am running, to be that local link." Hilton lives in Somersworth and is the owner/operator of a plumbing company with his partner and wife, Jennifer. "We have been married 39 years and have four kids, two daughters, two sons," he said. "I am a small businessman, and I dislike politics greatly. I do not want government to rule the world. I don't like the way spending keeps going up, and the quality of delivery keeps going down, and that's partly because the government is more and more involved with our daily lives. It should not be that way. I am all for getting rid of half the laws on the books, sunset them, defund them where they die on the vine. We already have plenty of laws on the books; we do not need any more." Hilton said he has lived all over the world, and he loves New Hampshire. "'Live Free or Die' is supposed to mean something," Hilton said. "I truly do not want to rule the world. I want to see people able to live their lives and not have the government involved in their daily business. We are supposed to protect the innocent and punish the wicked." Hilton traveled the world with his family as part of Mercy Ships, civilian hospital ships that travel to countries and provide aid. "We lived on board," he said. "I did plumbing, welding, pipe fitting, whatever was needed. We were there with our three children. Then we adopted a little girl from Liberia. As Strafford County Republican Committee chairman, Hilton said it is his goal to help good people get elected across the county. "I believe we all agree on most issues," he said. "But we need to be able to talk to each other like humans." Somersworth voting on Tuesday, June 24 will be 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. at Ward 1 (City Hall, 1 Government Way), Ward 2 (Summersworth Historical Museum, 157 Main St.), Ward 3 (Somersworth High School, 11 Memorial Drive), Ward 4 (Idlehurst Elementary School, 46 Stackpole Road) and Ward 5 (Romeo J. Messier Building, 218 Main St.). Rollinsford voting on Tuesday, June 24 will be 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. at the Town Hall at 667 Main St. This article originally appeared on Fosters Daily Democrat: Butler, Hilton battle for NH House seat amid anti-transgender attacks
Yahoo
14-06-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
State House Dome: First legislative special election in NH is getting hostile
By Kevin Landrigan THE FIRST legislative special election a few weeks out is getting rough. Landrigan dome The Strafford County District 12 seat is to replace Somersworth Democrat Dawn Evans, who resigned her seat a month after she had topped the ticket in a district that chooses four state reps. The Committee to Elect House Republicans unveiled a new digital ad and website that attacked Democratic nominee Billie Butler, who is running in this district that includes the city of Somersworth and town of Rollinsford. Butler is a transgender woman and the ad includes images of drag queens and men dressed up as women. 'Billie supports allowing men into your daughter's bathrooms and locker rooms and Billie supports allowing men in your daughter's sports putting them at risk,' the ad states. The website declares Butler to be the 'most extreme' candidate ever for the New Hampshire House. 'Billie's agenda supports pushing transgenderism on your children while opposing your parental rights,' the website declares. The site also makes allegations about Butler's place of work. 'N.H. Outright, Billie's employer, pushes children as young as KINDERGARTENERS towards Transgenderism! Billie's employer pushes DEI trainings on our schools, infecting the minds of our children with their radical trans-agenda!' the website states. 'NH Outright hosts 'youth after parties' at their 'Pride' festivals. What happens to our children at these?' House Democrats cried foul about the displays and predicted voters will reject this line of attack when they vote on June 24. 'This hateful rhetoric isn't just wrong — it's a deliberate and manufactured distraction,' said Jonathan George, executive director of the New Hampshire House Democratic Victory Campaign Committee. 'While Republicans stir up outrage in Somersworth, they're voting in Concord to gut Medicaid and abandon working families. Granite Staters deserve leaders who will cut through the noise and divisive politics and address the real issues facing our state — from rising property taxes to the ongoing housing crisis. That leader is Billie Butler.' Butler's opponent is Somersworth Republican Ken Hilton, who has run for the seat a few times. Most recently he finished just out of the money last November in fifth place, more than 450 votes behind the fourth-place Democrat. As yet, the House GOP PAC hasn't reported any spending in the race, and Hilton hasn't raised any money either. Citizens Alliance, a conservative interest group, has also signed up to support Hilton in this race. So far, Butler has raised $3,667 and spent $1,049. Nearly half of Butler's spending went to yard signs with $400 spent on postcard mailings sent to voters. The biggest donors included state Sen. David Watters, D-Dover ($250), Dean Rubine of Lee ($200) and House Deputy Democratic Leader Matt Wilhelm and state Rep. Patrick N. Long, both of Manchester ($100 apiece). Based on party registration, you've got to give Butler the edge in a district that is plus-6 Democratic, but of course, independent voters (40.2%) make up the biggest voting bloc. Retirement benefit talks reopened House and Senate versions of the state budget both would restore pension benefits to 1,500 first responders that were cut in 2011, but Senate Finance Committee Chairman James Gray, R-Rochester, has a new proposal that is attracting union opposition. Gray's plan would phase in the pension enhancements over time and pay for them through a 0.75% increase in the contribution made by employees and a 1% increase for employers. Critics have said its akin to a 'new income tax,' something Gray obviously doesn't agree with. Lang gets deployed Senate President Sharon Carson, R-Londonderry, decided to expand her troops on the opening day of talks over a compromise state budget. She added as an alternate to the Senate side Senate Ways and Means Chairman Timothy Lang, R-Sanbornton. This made sense since House Finance Committee Chairman Ken Weyler, R-Kingston, rightly stated at the outset that the wide disparity between House and Senate revenue estimates is the greatest obstacle the two sides must overcome to reach a deal. In turn, Weyler asked House Ways and Means Vice Chairman Jordan Ulery, R-Hudson, to step in for his Chairman John Janigian, R-Salem, who was unavailable for talks last Friday. North Country key town weighs in The Bethlehem Board of Selectmen urged Gov. Kelly Ayotte last week to help it defeat language over future landfill expansions contained in the Senate version of the state budget. The town has for years fought the expansion of the landfill that Casella Waste Systems has operated in that community. Local officials view the Senate language as overriding local control in putting emphasis first on expanding existing landfills before the state decides to site new ones. 'Simply put, this amendment does not reflect the will of the community or of the North Country more broadly,' they wrote. 'It undermines the democratic decision making statewide and opens the door to long-term harm to one of the most environmentally sensitive areas in the state.' Sen. Howard Pearl, R-Loudon, authored the language. Nashua Republican seeks a promotion A firefighter union spokesman is looking to move up politically in Nashua. Two-term Nashua Ward 1 Alderman Tyler Gouveia announced that he's running for a citywide seat on the board this fall. 'As Alderman for Ward 1, I've worked hard to cut through the noise and deliver for Nashua families,' Gouveia said. 'Now I'm stepping up to serve the entire city because I believe we need more leaders who show up, listen first, and focus on results, not partisanship.' He currently serves as director of government and political affairs for the Professional Fire Fighters of New Hampshire. His campaign theme is 'Fresh Energy, Proven Results, Leadership for All.' 'Nashua is growing, and we need leadership that grows with it; leadership that's grounded in neighborhoods, not ideology,' Gouveia said. 'Whether it's Ward 1 or Ward 9, I believe in a Nashua that works for everyone, with open communication, responsive leadership, and real results you can see.' In the past, Gouveia has unsuccessfully run for a seat in the New Hampshire House. Two potential rivals endorse Stefany Shaheen A pair of prominent Democrats who hadn't closed the door on a run for the 1st Congressional District — former state Sens. Tom Sherman of Rye and Jon Morgan of Brentwood — both endorsed the candidacy of Stefany Shaheen of Portsmouth. Sherman was the party's nominee for governor in 2022 while Morgan last fall ran against and lost to Executive Councilor Janet Stevens of Rye. 'As a doctor, seeing what they are doing to health care funding and research is gut wrenching. So as Congressman (Chris) Pappas moves to run for the Senate, we need to elect someone to his seat who has the track record and the tools to continue to fight back,' Sherman wrote in a message to supporters. 'Stefany Shaheen is just that person.' Some GOPers are testing Formella's strength Attorney General John Formella has declined any interest in seeking higher office but that hasn't stopped GOP groups from checking on his standing. Several residents reported this week having received a poll from an unidentified source that was testing a potential horse race between Formella and Sherman in the 1st District. The same poll also provides messaging about Democratic Senate candidate Pappas and Republican Scott Brown, the former Massachusetts senator who is weighing his own Senate bid in 2026. Bankers honor Pearl The New Hampshire Bankers Association presented Sen. Pearl with its Legislative Champions Award for his work backing the industry. Pearl said last year he sponsored a law to increase the lending limit for state-chartered banks. Last month, as we reported, Pearl stepped in and ensured that the banking industry kept two members on the advisory board of the Public Deposit Investment Pool. A House-passed bill had called for taking away one bank member and giving it to a representative of cities and towns. At Pearl's urging, the Senate added one municipal official to the board and kept the banks' membership intact. 'Keeping investment advisers accountable in carrying out new laws ensures portions of taxpayer funds are awarded to N.H. banks. I am grateful to lend a hand to the banking association and ensure accountability for taxpayer funds,' Pearl said. Liquor, homeland security heads given another stint Ayotte has made some changes in state agency heads while keeping others on the job. The most recent holdovers are State Liquor Commission Chairman Joe Mollica and Homeland Security and Emergency Management Director Robert Buxton. Ayotte has nominated Mollica to another four-year term and backed Buxton to receive his second, three-year term. The Executive Council is likely to confirm both without any dissent. Housing coalition bats less than .500 With plenty of fanfare, the Housing Supply Coalition was launched two months ago with a varied group of more than 20 businesses and trade groups embracing a package of legislation to promote more affordable housing. As the 2025 session draws to a close, it's clear the coalition lost a little more than they won with their seven-bill agenda. Here's the scorecard: Starter Homes Incentive (SB 84): The House Housing Committee voted to retain this bill from Sen. Keith Murphy, R-Manchester, which would require all communities to make at least half of the land for residential development zoned for smaller lot sizes so it could accommodate more homes. Accessory Dwelling Units (HB 577): This bill is on the way to the governor's desk and would increase the size of ADUs and allow them to be detached from the residential dwelling on the property. Parking Spaces (SB 284): This bill that got final passage this past week which would eliminate a city or town's authority to enforce regulations that mandate minimum parking standards. Zoning appeal (SB 78): The Senate killed this bill that would end the open-ended discretion zoning boards have about when to hear appeals of their decisions, creating a fixed time window to decide if they will hear the appeal. Basement limits (SB 283): This bill, which passed, would get rid of height and size calculations for benefits that make it possible to increase livable space in buildings under existing zoning codes. Affordable housing funding (SB 81 and HB 530): These two bills would have increased from $5 million to $10 million the annual allocation from the state's real estate transfer tax to the state's affordable housing fund. Both bills didn't pass and there's no proposal contained in either the House or the Senate. Housing Champions grants/loans (SB 279): Senate Democratic Leader Rebecca Perkins Kwoka of Portsmouth wrote this bill to create $6 million in grants and loans to communities deemed as deserving under the Housing Champions program. The bill didn't pass and failed to make it into either version of the budget. Ayotte confirms Canada trade mission At the end of last week, Ayotte announced the dates for her trade mission to Canada will be Sept. 7-11. Joining her for the trip will be Business and Economic Affairs Commissioner Taylor Caswell along with Michael Skelton, president and CEO of the Business & Industry Association. 'Canada is one of our most important trading partners, and I look forward to leading our trade mission this fall to strengthen these ties,' Ayotte said. 'Together, we can bring new opportunity and prosperity to both Canada and our state.'
