Heath Howard Enters New Hampshire’s 1st Congressional District Race, Prioritizes Universal Healthcare

Strafford state Representative Heath Howard has announced his candidacy for New Hampshire’s First Congressional District, currently held by Chris Pappas, who is running for Senate. Howard is centering his campaign on a platform of universal healthcare, affordable housing, and increased wages.

Personal Experience Fuels Healthcare Advocacy

Howard’s commitment to universal healthcare stems from a personal experience with a severe back injury sustained at age 15. The injury required an eight-hour surgery to rebundle his spinal cord, involving the placement of four rods and eight screws. “I’m very thankful that I’m able to walk and able to stand, but that experience really showed me just how broken our health care system really is,” Howard stated. He advocates for a system that works for everyone, proposing caps on drug prices and a shift in incentives for pharmaceutical companies to prioritize public health.

Economic and Fiscal Policy Positions

Howard believes a “Medicare for All” system would be a more cost-effective alternative to the current healthcare landscape, estimating it could cost $3.5 trillion annually compared to the current $4.9 trillion expenditure. He also criticizes what he describes as corporate welfare, arguing that current tax policies disproportionately benefit corporations rather than individuals. “When Republicans say we live in a welfare state, they’re technically correct,” Howard said. “It’s just the welfare state benefits the corporations, not the individuals.” He proposes tax subsidies for small businesses and increased taxation of large corporations and billionaires.

Addressing Wealth Inequality and Housing Concerns

Howard expressed concern over the centralization of wealth in the United States, stating that wealth inequality is greater now than it was in revolutionary France. He also highlighted the impact of private equity firms on the housing market, noting their practice of purchasing single-family homes and converting them into rentals, which reduces vacancy rates without increasing housing supply. This, he argues, contributes to young people leaving the state due to high housing costs and the highest in-state tuition for public universities in the country.

Legislative Experience and Campaign Funding

Despite being one of the younger representatives in the New Hampshire Legislature, Howard claims to have more legislative experience than any other candidate in the race. He points to the passage of 28 of his bills in the state chamber last year, with seven signed into law by the governor. Howard is not accepting corporate political action committee (PAC) funds, but his campaign is supported by union PACs and ideological PACs. He was the first candidate in the race to receive a union endorsement and boasts the support of nearly 40 state representatives and other elected officials.

Foreign Policy and Defense Spending

Howard advocates for reducing Pentagon funding, citing its failure to pass six audits. He suggests reallocating half of the Pentagon’s budget to universal healthcare, education, and eliminating food insecurity, while still maintaining the best-funded military in the world. He expressed opposition to overseas wars for resources, deeming it a moral issue.

A Crowded Democratic Field

Howard joins a competitive field of Democratic candidates vying for the seat, including Maura Sullivan, Stefany Shaheen, Carleigh Beriont, Sarah Chadzynski, and Christian Urrutia. On the Republican side, Chris Bright and Melissa Bailey have also announced their candidacies. The race is open due to Pappas’s decision to run for Senate following Senator Jeanne Shaheen’s planned retirement.