Innis Eyes District 24 State Senate Seat

NEW CASTLE, NH – A former Congressional candidate has decided to run for the open District 24 state Senate seat.

Dan Innis, who barely lost a multi-candidate primary for the 1st District Congressional seat two years ago, and thought about running again this year, is instead running for the seat held by Republican Nancy Stiles, who decided last month not to run for reelection.

“New Hampshire is a state that is at a crossroads,” Innis said this week. “The ‘New Hampshire advantage’ has diminished considerably, to the point that we no longer enjoy a business climate that is better than other New England states. We must take steps now to regain our advantage and position the state for future growth.”

Innis, a former hotelier – previously owning The Hotel Portsmouth and Ale House Inn with his husband, Douglas Palardy, who also worked as the dean of the business and economics school at UNH – says these experiences show that he can help create jobs, and improve the community and economy.

“I look forward to working in the Senate and serving the needs of my constituents and ensuring the towns in district 24 are well represented in Concord,” he said. “With my experience in education and business, I have a deep understanding of our economy, the struggles of families and seniors, as well as the issues facing young people today. With fiscal discipline and a focus on economic development we can restore our economic strength and position New Hampshire for a better future.”

The district includes Greenland, Hampton, Hampton Falls, Kensington, New Castle, North Hampton, Newton, Rye, Seabrook, Stratham, and South Hampton.

Innis said if elected, he would focus on lower taxes, economic development, combating the opioid crisis, addressing veterans’ issues, and ensuring responsible and transparent leadership in government.

“Over the past year I have talked with many constituents, and I am excited to continue meeting voters to discuss the issues on their minds,” he said. “It is an important time for our state, and I look forward to the opportunity to solve problems and to be a strong voice for District 24 in Concord. There are many major issues in front of us, and I have the background and experience to think strategically and to solve problems. I am the candidate to get the job done.”

Innis joins Stephen Kenda, a businessman from North Hampton who challenged Stiles in 2014, after flirting with a gubernatorial run in 2012; Jim Maggiore, a selectman in North Hampton and business consultant; and Ray Tweedie, a businessman who received the endorsement from Stiles this week; in competition for the Republican nomination in September.