This year’s Democratic slate brings together experienced leaders and dedicated public servants who understand that the stakes in this election are high. Together, they are focused on strengthening our communities, expanding opportunity, and ensuring that New Hampshire remains a place where hard work is rewarded and everyone has a fair chance to succeed.
State Senate
Shannon Chandley
Shannon Chandley is a longtime Amherst resident, former New Hampshire State Senator, and dedicated public servant running to represent Senate District 11. The daughter of a firefighter and a school food service worker, Shannon learned early the values of hard work, compassion, and service. She and her husband, Tom Silvia, have lived in Amherst for more than two decades, where they raised four children and built deep roots in the Souhegan Valley. Shannon has served in both the New Hampshire House and Senate, including leadership roles on committees focused on natural resources, public safety, judiciary, health and human services, commerce, and government accountability. Through her legislative and community service, she has remained focused on practical problem-solving, transparency, responsible stewardship of taxpayer dollars, and strengthening New Hampshire communities.
Executive Council
Melanie Levesque
Melanie Levesque is a Brookline Democrat, former New Hampshire State Senator, and candidate for Executive Council District 5. A Nashua native and longtime small business owner, Melanie has served New Hampshire in both the House and Senate, where she became the first African American elected to the New Hampshire Senate and chaired the Senate Election Law and Municipal Affairs Committee. She is running for Executive Council to bring experienced, accountable leadership to decisions affecting state contracts, appointments, infrastructure, health care, and services for communities across southern New Hampshire, including Amherst.
County Treasurer
Bev Cotton
Bev Cotton of Weare is running for Hillsborough County Treasurer, bringing decades of financial experience and a strong commitment to transparency, accuracy, and responsible stewardship of public funds. Her background includes managing payroll and reconciliation functions involving more than $2.5 billion, monitoring and reconciling bank investments, and serving as Assistant Vice President of a university student finance office. She holds a dual finance/accounting undergraduate degree, an MBA, and advanced education in forensic accounting and fraud. Bev also serves as an elected Trustee of the Trust Funds in Weare and has volunteered with organizations including the American Cancer Society, AARP, and hospice programs.
State Representative
Stephanie Grund
Stephanie Grund was elected to the New Hampshire House of Representatives in 2024 and represents Hillsborough District 34. A dedicated public servant and active member of the Amherst community, she previously served on the Souhegan Cooperative School Board, becoming chair in 2021. Originally from Ohio, Stephanie earned her bachelor’s degree in accounting from Case Western Reserve University and began her career as an auditor with Arthur Andersen before transitioning into corporate finance. She brings a strong background in fiscal management and education policy to her legislative work. Stephanie lives in Amherst with her family and currently serves on the County and Municipal Government Committee.
Dan LeClerc
Daniel LeClerc represents Hillsborough District 34 in the New Hampshire House of Representatives. First elected in 2022 and re-elected in 2024, Dan has served on the Labor, Industrial and Rehabilitative Services Committee, where he is a strong advocate for workers’ rights and economic justice. A union carpenter by trade, Dan lives in Amherst with his wife and is deeply committed to strengthening New Hampshire’s working and middle class through practical, people-focused legislation.
Daniel Veilleux
Dan Veilleux has served in the New Hampshire House of Representatives since 2020, representing Hillsborough District 34. With a background in public administration and a professional career in accounting, Dan brings both analytical rigor and community insight to his legislative work. He holds a B.A. in Political Science and a Master of Public Administration, both from the University of Maine. In addition to his legislative duties, Dan has served on the Souhegan Cooperative School Board, the Souhegan Regional Landfill District board, the Souhegan Advisory Finance Committee (as chair), and the Bicycle-Pedestrian Advisory Committee. He lives in Amherst with his wife and two children and currently serves as the Ranking Member of the House Transportation Committee.
Megan Murray
Megan Murray has represented Amherst in the New Hampshire House since 2018 and currently serves Hillsborough District 37, a floterial district representing both Amherst and Milford. A former elementary school teacher and lifelong advocate for children and families, Megan is known for her thoughtful approach to policymaking and her deep ties to the community. She currently serves on the Education Policy & Administration Committee and is Chair of the Hillsborough County Delegation. Megan lives in Amherst with her husband and their three children.