Eric Gallager, Concord State Representative Candidate

Eric Gallager

Age (as of Election Day)

29

Position Sought

State Rep, Merrimack County District 15 (i.e. Concord Ward 6)

Party Affiliation

Democrat

Family

Parents: Ken Gallager, Sharon Gallager; brother: Ian Gallager

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?

My father is a state employee with the Office of Strategic Initiatives, and my mother is a teaching assistant in the Concord School District

Education

Graduated Concord High School in 2009, earned a Bachelor's Degree in Political Science from George Washington University in 2013

Occupation

Activist

Previous or Current Elected or Appointed Office

N/A

Campaign website

https://secure.actblue.com/donate/egallager4nh

Why are you seeking elective office?

I live in public housing in a large apartment building, and have seen much need here from my neighbors for government assistance in getting by. I am running to help them out and improve their lives.

The single most pressing issue facing our (board, district, etc.) is _______, and this is what I intend to do about it.

We need to improve housing for our most vulnerable. I support having the state officially recognize tenants' unions and giving them the power to collectively bargain with landlords for lower rent and better living conditions.

What are the critical differences between you and the other candidates seeking this post?

My opponent is a "reopen" protestor. I am not, because I believe reopening our economy before the pandemic is over would jeopardize public health. My opponent is anti-vaccine. I believe that vaccines work and that we should trust scientists.

If you are a challenger, in what way has the current board or officeholder failed the community (or district or constituency)

N/A

Describe the other issues that define your campaign platform

I was a super-volunteer on Bernie Sanders' primary campaign and share much of his platform, including Medicare For All and a Green New Deal. I also have a heavy focus on tech issues, including standing up for software freedom and fighting back against the big tech companies that want to control our lives.

What accomplishments in your past would you cite as evidence you can handle this job?

When I was an intern with Senator Shaheen on Capitol Hill in 2011, some representatives from companies that make generic pharmaceuticals came to brief us on issues facing them, and I suggested that what they were asking for sounded more like material for an executive order than for legislation, and a few days later in the newspaper I read that President Obama had signed an executive order addressing the generic prescription drug shortage. I think this shows my ability to correctly diagnose the paths thru government necessary for solving problems.

The best advice ever shared with me was …

What else would you like voters to know about yourself and your positions?

I have been endorsed by the New Hampshire Progressive Coalition and the Southern New Hampshire chapter of the Democratic Socialists of America.