My name is Debra Altschiller, and I am your neighbor. Like you, I have chosen the Seacoast community as my home.  I am a three-term state representative as well as a one-term state senator from Stratham. I am the 2024 Democratic nominee for New Hampshire Senate District 24, which includes the communities of Exeter, Greenland, Hampton Falls, Hampton, North Hampton, Rye and Stratham.

 

First elected in 2016, I have been a fearless advocate for reproductive rights, common sense gun safety legislation, and crime prevention with a special focus on protection for victims of sexual and domestic violence, fully funded public schools, workers rights, healthy drinking water, environmental protection equal rights for all, and expanded health care and sound public health

 

I have never voted for an income, sales or capital gains tax, a fact that has been recognized multiple times by the bi-partisan Job Creators Alliance, which has contributed to my campaigns in recognition of my consistent votes against new taxes.

 

In 2019, I was the prime sponsor of New Hampshire’s Red Flag Law, which empowers family members and law enforcement to quickly access the courts for expedited judicial review to temporarily remove firearms from a person who poses a danger to themselves or the public.  This life saving legislation passed both the House and Senate but was vetoed by the governor. With the recent passage of a federal gun law incentivizing states to implement Red Flag laws, I would once again sponsor legislation to make this happen.

 

In my three terms in the House, I have served on the Transportation, Judiciary and Children and Family Law committees. 

 

I am a member of the Children’s Caucus, Women's Caucus, Gun Violence Prevention Caucus and Economic Justice Caucus.

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Professionally, I work as the Community Liaison for New Hampshire’s largest violence prevention and crisis support center serving people impacted by domestic violence, sexual violence and stalking. I have worked in this field since 2012 advocating for victims of crime on the Seacoast and across the state.

 

In this capacity, I was appointed by the governor to be a member of the Oversight Commission on Children’s Services. My work as a victim's advocate brings the perspective of the crisis centers to the table, giving voice to the voiceless. 

 

I continue to participate on the New Hampshire Human Trafficking Collaborative Task Force. Sex and labor trafficking are a problem here in NH we are just beginning to understand the scope of, and provide services and justice for, victims of human trafficking. I travel throughout Southern NH providing trainings for medical professionals and law enforcement in identifying victims of human trafficking and providing services.

 

In 2021, the Exeter chapter of the Greater Federation of Women’s Clubs honored me with its “Unity Award,” for my efforts on behalf of New Hampshire’s children.

 

Volunteerism has been a part of my life since childhood. As an active part of the Seacoast community my volunteer time has been spent with the Exeter Area General Federation of Women’s Clubs, the Stratham Fair & Summerfest, youth recreation sports, and I was lucky to have spent 12+ years as a PTO and school volunteer for my children’ classrooms.

 

I am an active  member of the Seacoast Chapter of Moms Demand Action and a Girl Scouts of America mentor for the Girls Rock the Capital program. 

 

I am a graduate of UMass Amherst and Leadership Seacoast.

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I have been married to my husband, Howard, for 28 years , we have three grown children and welcomed a son-in-law to the family. We have lived in Stratham since 2004 and with the children out on their own Howard says I’m spoiling our aging but still spunky Jack Russell Terrier named Chewy.

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Serving my community to make New Hampshire the best place to live, work and grow is an honor. I hope to earn your vote to serve as your State Senator for District 24. 

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