Tom Sherman, Hampton, North Hampton State Senate Candidate

Tom Sherman

Age (as of Election Day)

63

Position Sought

NH State Senate

Party Affiliation

Democrat

Family

Lisa (wife) and 3 sons -- Sam, Noah and Nick

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?

No

Education

Northwestern University (Evanston, IL) BA Classics
Georgetown University -- Premed
University of Connecticut School of Medicine -- MD
Barnes Hospital/Washington Univ School of Medicine -- Residency/Fellowship

Occupation

Physician -- 33 years

Previous or Current Elected or Appointed Office

NH State Rep -- District 24 (Rye/New Castle) -- 2012-2016
NH State Senate -- District 24 -- Current since 2018

Campaign website

tomsherman.us

Why are you seeking elective office?

I ran for the State Senate in 2018 to fully address the opioid crisis, the mental health crisis, and both drinking water and environmental contamination. On all of the fronts, we have made great strides over the last 2 years, but the work is not yet complete. As the first physician in the Senate in over 20 years, I have found that my expertise and experience, advocating for patients and my profession, has been really helpful. An example of this was the work done on telemedicine during the Covid pandemic. I have found my background as a doctor especially useful during the pandemic. But I still have much work to do, so I am seeking reelection to the Senate.

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

The cost of and accessibility to health care and healthcare coverage. I sponsored or cosponsored several bills that addressed this issue on topics of insurance reimbursement parity, enhanced work force, decreasing drug costs for patients, access to telemedicine services, and availability of mental health and addiction services. While we have made great progress, I intend to work with the Department of Insurance on issues such as denials of coverage, decreasing cost sharing for patients, and the availability of insurance products through the exchange.

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

Experience as a physician and as both a State Rep and Senator. I have run a multiphysician subspecialty practice, so I also have that business background of successful growth in one of the most highly regulated industries in the US. I have a long history of serving in leadership roles in my church, my profession and currently in the legislature.

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

Continuing my work already in progress on addressing the mental health and addiction crises confronting NH as well as ensuring clean drinking water and a contaminant-free environment. Working with our public schools, CTE programs and community colleges to encourage and nurture the occupational interests of our young people with a goal to have them complete a program of licensure or certification before they graduate high school, giving them a competitive salary reflecting their skills as well as a pathway and connection to continued education. Setting emission reduction goals for the state in the interest of both the public health and the environment. Protecting the rights of all -- both women and men -- to make their own healthcare decisions, especially in the area of reproductive rights. Finally, I will continue my work as cofounder of the Senior Support Team and as a member of the Crisis Standards of Care State Disaster Medical Advisory Committee in protecting the most vulnerable and ensuring that we continue to provide the highest level of healthcare in spite of limited resources as we combat the COVID pandemic.

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

I have been successful in this role of State Senator with the vast majority of my prime sponsored bills being signed by the Governor. I am dedicated to a broad range of committee and commission work, most recently having been asked by the Secretary of State to serve on the Select Committee on the 2020 Emergency Election Support, which yielded unanimous recommendations and for which I negotiated a bill signed by the Governor which changes the NH absentee ballot process for 2020 only. From Medicaid Expansion to COVID-19, I have a track record of crafting bipartisan solutions to complex problems confronting the state.

The best advice ever shared with me was …

Always focus on the needs of the constituents and the community with honesty and an open mind.

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

Please visit my website at tomsherman.us and feel free to email me with any questions or concerns you might have. I look forward to continuing to serve my neighbors, my community and the state of New Hampshire as State Senator for District 24.