About Me
Proven Leadership with Deep Local Roots
My name is James, and I’m honored to serve as your representative for Merrimack County District 25. As a lifelong resident of this area, I understand our community’s values and challenges firsthand. My family has lived in Tilton, Northfield, and Franklin for generations, so this is our home and my top priority is caring for it. As a recent graduate of Winnisquam Regional High School and a sophomore at Saint Anselm College, I have brought youthful energy and drive to my service to you in Concord.
I previously served as the chairman of the New Hampshire Legislative Youth Advisory Council (LYAC), a committee of the state legislature made up of students that advises them on policy and drafts legislation. I’ve worked with legislators for years, advocating for policies that protect parents and students, freedom of speech, religious freedom, and much more. From testifying on legislation to drafting it to watching the workings of the House in session, I have been acutely aware of and involved in the legislative process in New Hampshire for years.
From Personal Experience to Public Service
Since childhood, my family had to fight for education freedom and reasonable treatment from public schools for my special needs sisters. When I was in fifth grade, Winnisquam Regional School District tried to stop my parents from moving my older sister to a charter school that would have met her needs better.
No student should have to endure such treatment. The quality of students’ education should not be determined by their academic or social needs or their ZIP code.
This injustice inspired me to a life of public service. Before my election as your representative, I represented Winnisquam and Franklin as chairman of the New Hampshire Legislative Youth Advisory Council (LYAC), a committee of the state legislature made up of students that advises them on policy and drafts legislation. I also represented New Hampshire at both the American Legion’s Boys Nation program and the United States Senate Youth Program—prestigious civics education opportunities that select only two students per state per year. These experiences emphasized the importance of quality civics education in our schools, a policy I have advocated for in Concord.
For more information about LYAC, USSYP, Boys/Girls Nation, and other youth civic opportunities, visit my Youth Civic Resources page!
Defending New Hampshire Values in Concord
During my time in office, I’ve continued fighting for the values that have always driven me and that make New Hampshire great: low taxes, education freedom, parents’ rights, and individual freedoms. Whether or not you voted for me or will vote for me, or whether or not you even can vote, I have and will continue to listen to and represent you and make the Granite State better for all of us.
My unique perspective as a student, combined with years of legislative experience in various capacities, and proven service in the House, positions me to continue delivering for our community.
Representative James Thibault 