Two Democrats and two Republicans are facing off in primaries to run for the District 2 seat on the state’s Executive Council, which was held by Cinde Warmington, who was the lone Democratic voice on the five-member board.

The council, which is responsible for overseeing state contracts, spending, and balancing the governor’s authority, had become more political than in the past, specifically over cuts to funding to Planned Parenthood, which Warmington opposed.

Karen Liot Hill, a long-time Lebanon City Councilor, stressed the importance of not just retaining a Democrat on the council but specifically a Democratic woman.

“It’s more important than ever that we have a woman in charge,” said Hill. “Representation matters, and especially right now, in a post-Roe era where women’s rights and reproductive freedom are under attack.”

Challenging Hill is Michael Liberty, a New London resident and cofounder of Signifyed, a software company focused on detecting fraud. He shares the sentiment that having a Democrat on the council is vital.

“We do have an opportunity with one executive council seat being vacated,” he said. “If we can flip one or two of those seats and certainly if we can take the corner office then maybe people will come back to the negotiating table.”

On the Republican side, Kim Strathdee from Plymouth is making her fourth attempt to secure a seat on the council. She faces competition from Mary Rose Deak of Concord, who could not be reached for comment.

Abortion

Despite party differences, Hill, Liberty, and Strathdee are united in their belief that women should have the right to make their own decisions regarding pregnancy and abortion.

Strathdee, who takes pride in her “Live Free or Die” philosophy, points out that New Hampshire’s 24-week abortion ban already provides significant protection. She said that decisions can be made freely within this timeframe and said that further restrictions are unnecessary for the state.

“I think it’s a travesty that Roe v. Wade was overturned,” said Strathdee. ” I firmly believe in a woman’s right to choose or a family’s right to make their own decisions.”

Liberty pointed out that because all judicial appointees require approval from the Executive Council, this process can be leveraged to protect women’s reproductive rights within the framework of the existing law.

“Until the legislature acts and repeals that ban and enshrines women’s right to choose into law, it boils down to how are we going to appoint judges that interpret, medical exceptions,” said Liberty. ” What is the standard for the attorney general, for example, second-guessing a doctor’s judgment about whether or not you know an abortion was medically necessary.”

Hill said defending reproductive rights, especially for women and LGBTQ+ individuals, is a top priority.

Public education

Funding public education is a significant issue for both Hill and Liberty, but the issue falls mostly outside of the council’s purview. Hill has made it clear that if elected, replacing Frank Edelblut, the current commissioner of the New Hampshire Department of Education, would be a priority.

“We don’t get to vote on things like funding public education,” said Hill. “But as executive counselors, we do vote on the appointments. Replacing the members of the State Board of Education with people who actually believe in public education and want to support public education is a major priority for me.”

New Hampshire’s state funding for public education has been consistently low, forcing local taxpayers to shoulder the financial burden to keep their schools operational.

“Our system of funding education in the state is so unfair and has been declared unconstitutional multiple times over,” Liberty said, expressing the need for change in public education funding.

Strathdee also supports increased funding for public education but emphasizes parental rights and educational choice.

“Not everybody learns the same way,” said Strathdee. “Not everybody is cut out to sit in the classroom.”

Candidate priorities

Hill’s platform extends beyond education and reproductive rights. She is committed to supporting the LGBTQ+ community, addressing climate change, investing in clean energy, and advocating for affordable housing and Planned Parenthood contracts.

“I have disagreements, but I am not disagreeable,” said Hill. “If there’s an inch of common ground, I will find it. But I also know when to stand my ground and that is the kind of leader I will be.”

Liberty, who has faced a personal battle with brain cancer at 35, prioritizes advocating for healthcare contracts that support cancer screenings and reimburse providers like Planned Parenthood.

Affordable housing and gender-affirming care are also among his top priorities.

His wife, Frances Lim-Liberty, serves as the medical director of the Pediatric and Adolescent Transgender Program at Dartmouth Health Childrens.

“The personal health background that I have experienced and the business background, I have a deep sense of urgency that we don’t have a moment to lose,” said Liberty. ” I do think that that is something unique that I bring to this is just like a deep experience in software, specifically artificial intelligence and how we could leverage that in a positive way.”

Strathdee focuses on infrastructure, particularly the maintenance of bridges and dams, and increasing funding in the northern part of the state.

“I’m there to represent and serve my constituents,” said Strathdee. “If they have a problem, then you call me and I can help you resolve the problem, hopefully, where you’re going to like the answer, but either way, we’ll get an answer as to what has to happen.”