Paul Hodes

Paul W. Hodes is a former U.S. Representative who served New Hampshire's 2nd congressional district from 2007 until 2011. A member of the Democratic Party, Hodes was notable for being the first Jewish representative from New Hampshire. In addition to his political career, he has a background as a lawyer, musician, and advocate for the arts. After leaving Congress, Hodes continued to engage in various professional activities, including consulting and serving on boards related to the arts and public policy.

Early life and career

Paul W. Hodes was born on March 21, 1951, in New York City to Florence R. (née Rosenberg) and Robert Bernard Hodes. His family has Jewish roots, with ancestors who immigrated from Russia, Poland, and Austria. Hodes completed his secondary education at The Collegiate School in 1968 before pursuing higher education at Dartmouth College, where he graduated in 1972 with a major in French and Theater. During his time at Dartmouth, he also spent a semester at the National Theater Institute at the Eugene O'Neill Theater Center, which furthered his interest in the performing arts.

Following his undergraduate studies, Hodes embarked on a career in the arts, acting, writing, and working on radio shows for three years. He later attended Boston College Law School, earning his law degree in 1978. His legal career began with the New Hampshire Department of Justice, where he worked until 1980. He then served as an Assistant Attorney General until 1982, after which he took on the role of special prosecutor. From 1983 to 1996, Hodes practiced law in the private sector and eventually became Of Counsel at the law firm Shaheen & Gordon, P.A. in Concord, New Hampshire.

In addition to his legal work, Hodes has maintained a strong connection to the arts throughout his life. He began playing guitar at the age of 15 and has been involved in various artistic endeavors, including acting in the Boston Arts Group while in law school. In the 1990s, he played a significant role in establishing the Capitol Center for the Arts in Concord and served on the New Hampshire State Council on the Arts. His contributions to the arts were recognized when he was appointed by President Obama to the National Council on the Arts in 2012, a position that involves advising the chair of the National Endowment for the Arts.

House tenure

Hodes's political career began with his candidacy for the U.S. House of Representatives in 2004, where he ran as a Democrat against incumbent Charles Bass but was unsuccessful. However, he secured a rematch in 2006 and won the election, taking office in January 2007. During his time in Congress, Hodes served on several committees, including the Committee on Financial Services and the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform. His work on these committees involved participation in various subcommittees, focusing on issues such as capital markets, insurance, government-sponsored enterprises, and national security.

Hodes's legislative record includes notable votes on significant pieces of legislation. He opposed the Emergency Economic Stabilization Act of 2008, which was designed to address the financial crisis, and supported the American Clean Energy and Security Act, commonly known as "cap and trade." He also voted in favor of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, a landmark healthcare reform law. In addition to his legislative actions, Hodes was recognized for his willingness to hold fellow Democrats accountable, as evidenced by his call for Representative Charlie Rangel to resign from his leadership position following ethical violations.

Hodes was re-elected in 2008, winning a larger share of the vote compared to his previous election. However, he sought higher office in 2010 when he ran for the U.S. Senate seat being vacated by Judd Gregg. Despite his efforts, Hodes was defeated by Republican candidate Kelly Ayotte in the general election. His congressional tenure concluded on January 3, 2011, when he was succeeded by Charles Bass.

Legislative focus and committees

During his time in the House of Representatives, Hodes was involved in various legislative initiatives and committee assignments that reflected his interests and expertise. He served on the Committee on Financial Services, where he participated in discussions and decisions related to financial markets, consumer credit, and the regulation of financial institutions. His role on this committee allowed him to engage with issues pertinent to the economy and the financial well-being of constituents.

Hodes also contributed to the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, which is responsible for monitoring the operations of the federal government and ensuring accountability. His work on this committee included participation in subcommittees focused on government management and national security, where he addressed concerns regarding the efficiency and integrity of government operations.

In addition to his committee work, Hodes held leadership positions within the House, including serving as the president of the freshman class of 2006. His involvement in various boards and councils, such as the Capitol Center for the Arts and the New Hampshire State Council on the Arts, further underscored his commitment to public service and the arts.

After leaving Congress, Hodes continued to engage in public life through various roles, including serving on the Public Advisory Board of the New Hampshire Institute of Politics at Saint Anselm College. He also worked as a green energy consultant and became involved in radio broadcasting, hosting programs on WKXL. His ongoing commitment to civic engagement and the arts reflects his multifaceted career and dedication to serving his community.

In summary, Paul W. Hodes's career encompasses significant contributions to the legal, artistic, and political landscapes of New Hampshire and the United States. His tenure in the U.S. House of Representatives was marked by a focus on financial services, government oversight, and accountability, alongside a commitment to the arts and public service.