Rosemarie Rung & Nancy Murphy File for NH State Representative

Rosemarie Rung and Nancy Murphy filed declarations of candidacy today seeking to represent Merrimack in the NH House of Representatives. Rung and Murphy were first elected to the NH House in 2018 and have extensive records of nonpartisan service to Merrimack and the State. Their shared priorities of health and environmental protection, quality public education, and fiscally-responsible government reflect their commitment to policies that put people above politics. As state representatives, they sponsored and/or supported many bills including legislation that addressed the need for greater PFAS regulation, increased state revenue-sharing to municipalities sought to provide medical monitoring for PFAS-impacted communities, and instituted higher penalties for air and water polluters. In this latest term, Rung's bills to regulate PFAS in wastewater and address cyanobacteria in NH waters are awaiting the Governor’s signature.

Rung currently serves as chairperson of the HB737 PFAS Commission. Previously, she served nearly nine years on the Merrimack School Board and during her tenure, many curricular and infrastructure needs were met, including the introduction of public kindergarten and construction of the Merrimack Middle School and the science wing of Merrimack High School. Rung founded Laura’s World Fund, a local charity supporting underserved children, and was on the board of directors for numerous NH organizations. She graduated from UNH and is retired from careers in analytical chemistry and corporate public affairs. Rung and her husband have lived in Merrimack for 39 years, have three adult children and two grandchildren.

Murphy has a long history of volunteerism and community advocacy including early and ongoing PFAS-related work as a Merrimack "Water Warrior,” and is known for her commitment to championing environmental and public health protections and policy. While representing Merrimack in the NH House of Representatives, Murphy served on the Criminal Justice & Public Safety Committee, was a well-respected leader on the PFAS issue, and was known for her ability to work successfully in a bipartisan fashion to sponsor and pass legislation benefitting Merrimack and other NH communities.

Currently an elected member of the Town Council, Murphy represents the Town of Merrimack on the NH House HB737 PFAS Commission, a five-year commission her 2019 bill created. She was bill co-sponsor, and remains a member and vice-chair of the NH Senate’s SB85 Commission on Environmentally-Triggered Chronic Illness.

Having worked primarily in pediatrics, mental health, and child protection after graduating from Boston University School of Nursing, Murphy has continued to advocate for these and other vulnerable populations both professionally and in her personal life as a foster and adoptive parent.

Murphy received the Rotary Club of Merrimack, NH, “Excellence In the Workplace” award for her PFAS work as a Merrimack “Water Warrior.” She was also recognized by the New Hampshire Women’s Foundation as an “AmplifiHER Community Impact Honoree” for her volunteer work supporting NH’s frontline hospital healthcare providers during the Covid pandemic.
Murphy is a founding member of Merrimack Citizens for Clean Water, and board member of NH Safe Water Alliance and NH Science and Public Health.

Murphy has lived in Merrimack with her husband since 1986, has six adult children and six grandchildren.