Matthew B. WilhelmPrimary Election 2022 WinnerGeneral Election 2022 WinnerDemocrat
I grew up in Nashua, earned my bachelor’s degree from Plymouth State College and master’s of public administration (M.P.A.) from the University of New Hampshire’s Carsey School of Public Policy, and moved to Manchester to lead a team of City Year AmeriCorps members serving in high-need public schools to help keep students in-school and on-track to graduate. My wife Jody, also a City Year alum, and I put down roots in Manchester, where we’re raising our two children, Ben (age 9) and Rosie (age 6), and pandemic pup, Hope.
Currently in my second term as state representative, I serve as Senior Assistant Democratic Leader, deputy ranking member of the House State-Federal Relations & Veterans Affairs Committee, and chair of the NH House Democratic Victory Campaign Committee (DVCC).
Current jobI’m a landlord, operating affordable, dorm-style housing for young people serving as AmeriCorps national service volunteers in Greater Manchester.
For more than a decade, I worked at the intersection of live music and social impact, helping mission-driven musicians unite with their fans and social sector partners to create change through hands-on service, fundraising, and activism.
Current residenceManchester
Time lived in NH33 years
HometownNashua
M.P.A., University of New Hampshire’s Carsey School of Public Policy
B.A. Communications & Political Science, Plymouth State University
Best way to contact candidateEmail: WilhelmForNH@gmail.com, Matt.Wilhelm@leg.state.nh.us
WebsiteWilhelm for NH
If elected or re-elected, please describe legislation you expect to sponsor or co-sponsor.
I sponsored and co-sponsored several bills this year that were tabled by members of House Republican leadership on party lines and expect to re-introduce some of the same legislation next year. In particular, furthering the recommendations of NH’s Service Year Workforce Commission, which I chaired in 2019-2020, remains a top priority. New Hampshire has an opportunity to expand pathways from civilian national service programs like AmeriCorps and the Peace Corps to an affordable degree or credential and a meaningful career as a strategy to attract more service-driven and community-minded young people in the Granite State.
What are the most important concerns you’ve heard from Manchester residents and how can you address those concerns if elected or re-elected?
I’ve heard my neighbors raise concerns about protecting reproductive freedom, strengthening public education, increasing affordable housing, lowering electric rates, and defending our democracy. I am a reliable vote on these issues and always look for opportunities to work across the aisle without compromising my values as a Democrat.
New Hampshire legislators are citizen legislators and being a legislator is a significant time commitment. How much time per week can you spend on legislative duties while the Senate/House is in session?
I am proud of my 100% voting record on the House floor this session and plan to continue to fulfill my duties as a member of the General Court.
How do you feel the current divisive political climate in the United States will impact the New Hampshire General Court over the next two years and how would you navigate that divisiveness in your duties?
Concord is not immune to the political divisiveness and polarization that we see across the country. The last couple years have been especially challenging and, due to the pandemic, it was a struggle to establish chamber norms and decorum at the State House this session. Extremism is a real issue in Concord – and it has only gotten worse since January 6, 2021. The next House Speaker should reach out to organizations like NH Listens, Citizens Count, and/or the Millennial Action Project for support in bringing members together.
What is the most significant issue facing Manchester residents at the municipal level and how can you, as a legislator aid the city government on that issue?
The State of New Hampshire continues to slash the state budget, downshifting costs to property taxpayers. We need to ensure that out-of-state corporations pay their fair share in state taxes so Manchester residents aren’t stuck footing the bill.
In your conversations with voters, what is the most significant issue to them right now? How would you address that if elected or re-elected?
Voters are furious that the Republican-controlled House and Senate snuck an abortion ban into the state budget. We must elect Democratic majority to bring balance back to the State House and hold the line against right-wing extremism that is at complete odds with Granite State values.
In your opinion, what were the five most significant pieces of legislation introduced over the last two years? Please explain what made them significant.
NH House Republicans’ abortion ban, school voucher scheme, ban on teaching so-called “divisive concepts”, parental bill of rights (i.e. NH’s “Don’t Say Gay” bill) – not to mention tabling any number of good, common sense Democratic bills – shows just how obsessed the NH GOP has become with ideological fights at the State House. Under the leadership of House Majority Leader Jason Osborne, who came to New Hampshire as a member of the extreme, fringe Free State Project, it’s clear that House Republicans are far more concerned with exerting power and control over Granite Staters than passing balanced policies that serves the public good. Manchester voters have a clear choice this November.
