Tom Loughman, Hampton State Representative Candidate

Tom Loughman

Age (as of Election Day)

36

Position Sought

State Representative, Rockingham District 21

Party Affiliation

Democratic

Family

Wife Jessica, Son Luke (5) , and Daughter Piper (2).

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?

No

Education

Bachelors of Science in Management from Keene State College. Masters of Business Administration from University of Maryland Global Campus

Occupation

Vice President of Environment, Health, Safety, and Quality Program Management (10 years)

Previous or Current Elected or Appointed Office

State Representative for Rockingham District 21 (2018-present)

Campaign website

www.TomLoughman.com

Why are you seeking elective office?

Politics has become increasingly divisive and polarized, which makes us less capable of solving problems. Hampton families deserve candidates who will think critically about our challenges and opportunities, not just repeat their party’s official position. As a proud father and Granite Stater, I am committed to doing all I can to bring positive change to our politics and help shape a brighter future for our children.

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

1.) COVID impact on education. Working parents are struggling and are being spread much too thin. We have three competing priorities: 1) Children’s health and safety, 2) Childcare needs for working parents, and 3) a quality education for our children. Our working parents need the ability to send their children to school so they can work and our children’s health must be of paramount importance. I believe we can do that by providing in-person public education for all who need it and using more space to ensure safe distancing. If this is our objective and federal and state funds are available to help, I know we can do it.
2) Affordable housing supply is a problem and constrains our economy. I have been working with the Governor’s Housing Task Force as one of the four initial legislators to addressing our housing supply problem and shaping solutions. I will continue that work and take measures to spur more development of the housing stock we need.
3) COVID impact on the local economy, in particular restaurants: Our restaurants are going to need support adapting their businesses to survive what is expected to be a challenging fall and winter. They are vital to our community and are very vulnerable right now. I will work closely with the governor’s team to ensure guidelines and funding/support are available to help businesses adapt as needed.

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

At 36 years old, I come from a generation that makes up the largest part of the workforce and is currently raising a family in an economy where both parents need to work to make ends meet. I understand first-hand the challenges of a vital demographic that New Hampshire must retain and attract to grow our economy.
Further, my professional expertise in public health and safety and education in business, makes me well-suited for the challenges we are currently facing with COVID-19.

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

Describe the other issues that define your campaign platform

Hampton's Fair Share of Tourism Revenue
Supporting Family-Friendly Economic Policies
Protect Public Health (COVID-19 and Opioid Crises)
Safe Drinking Water
Strong Public Schools

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

After being elected in 2018, I filed several bills as a Prime Sponsor and successfully got two signed into law. One was a bill to reduce the rate of opioid prescription misuse and eliminate accidental relapse from prescription medication. The other was a bill to reduce barriers for working parents to run for office by allowing campaign funds to be used for childcare.

The best advice ever shared with me was …

Live your life in such a way that in your final days, you will have few regrets. To that end, I put my family first, live with integrity, and keep my word.

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

I am a critical thinker and problem solver. I'll work with anyone to make progress on important problems. I have successfully fought special interests and worked across the aisle to find agreement on opioid and housing policies.