Maggie Hassan

Margaret Wood Hassan is an American politician and attorney currently serving as the junior United States senator from New Hampshire, a position she has held since 2017. A member of the Democratic Party, she previously served as the 81st governor of New Hampshire from 2013 to 2017. Hassan's political career has been marked by her advocacy for various issues, including healthcare and education, and she has played significant roles in both state and national politics.

Early life and career

Margaret Wood was born on February 27, 1958, in Boston, Massachusetts. She is the daughter of Margaret (Byers) and Robert Coldwell Wood, a political scientist who notably served as the U.S. Secretary of Housing and Urban Development during the Lyndon Johnson administration. Growing up in Lincoln, Massachusetts, Hassan was influenced by her politically active family. She participated in school choirs and church singing, and as a young girl, she helped collate mailers for the League of Women Voters, indicating her early interest in civic engagement.

Hassan attended Lincoln-Sudbury Regional High School, graduating with the Class of 1976. She then enrolled at Brown University, where she majored in history and graduated in 1980 with a Bachelor of Arts degree. During her time at Brown, she met her future husband, Thomas Hassan, who was also a student there. Following her undergraduate studies, Hassan pursued a legal education at the Northeastern University School of Law, earning her Juris Doctor degree in 1985.

After completing her law degree, Hassan began her professional career as an attorney. From 1985 to 1992, she worked at the Boston law firm Palmer & Dodge. Subsequently, she served as associate general counsel for Brigham and Women's Hospital from 1993 to 1996. In 1996, she transitioned to Sullivan, Weinstein & McQuay, a Boston corporate defense and business law firm, where she continued her legal practice until 1999. During her time in New Hampshire, she was appointed by then-Governor Jeanne Shaheen as a citizen advisor to the Advisory Committee to the Adequacy in Education and Finance Commission, reflecting her growing involvement in state affairs.

Senate tenure

Hassan's political career in the New Hampshire Senate began with her first campaign in 2002, which was suggested by Democratic Party leaders. She lost that election to incumbent Russell Prescott but returned to run again in 2004, successfully defeating Prescott by a narrow margin. During her tenure from 2005 to 2010, she represented New Hampshire's 23rd district, which includes several towns such as Exeter, Kingston, and Stratham. She was reelected in 2006 and 2008, serving in various leadership roles, including assistant Democratic whip, president pro tempore, and majority leader of the State Senate.

As majority leader, Hassan played a pivotal role in significant legislative efforts, including the legalization of same-sex marriage in New Hampshire. She was instrumental in presenting multiple versions of a same-sex marriage bill, ultimately leading to its passage. In addition to her advocacy for marriage equality, she contributed to the state's budgetary processes, helping to pass the FY2008-09 and FY2010-11 budgets, which included substantial spending increases and various tax adjustments.

Despite her successes, Hassan's tenure in the New Hampshire Senate concluded with a loss to Prescott in a rematch during the 2010 elections, as Republicans regained control of both the state House and Senate. Following her departure from the state Senate, Hassan shifted her focus to the gubernatorial race.

In 2012, Hassan announced her candidacy for governor of New Hampshire. She won the Democratic primary and subsequently defeated Republican nominee Ovide M. Lamontagne in the general election, securing victory with a significant margin. Her campaign was marked by themes of implementing the Affordable Care Act and garnered substantial financial support from independent expenditure groups.

Hassan's governorship lasted from 2013 to 2017, during which she was recognized for her leadership and was elected vice chair of the Democratic Governors Association. She also served as a superdelegate at the 2016 Democratic National Convention, further solidifying her position within the party.

In 2016, Hassan transitioned to national politics by running for the U.S. Senate. She narrowly defeated incumbent Republican senator Kelly Ayotte in a closely contested race, marking her entry into the federal legislative arena. Since taking office, she has been reelected in 2022, continuing her service alongside fellow New Hampshire senator Jeanne Shaheen.

Legislative focus and committees

As a U.S. senator, Hassan has focused on a variety of legislative issues, including healthcare, education, and economic development. She is currently serving in Senate Class 3, with her current term set to end on January 3, 2029. Throughout her time in the Senate, she has been involved in numerous committees that align with her legislative priorities.

Hassan's committee assignments include the Capital Budget Committee, Commerce, Labor and Consumer Protection, Finance, Public and Municipal Affairs (where she serves as Chair), Energy, Environment, and Economic Development (as Vice Chair), Internal Affairs Committee, and the Executive Department and Administration Committee. These roles allow her to influence a broad range of policy areas, from economic development initiatives to environmental protection efforts.

In addition to her committee work, Hassan is a member of the Congressional Coalition on Adoption, reflecting her commitment to child welfare and family issues. Her legislative focus has been characterized by a collaborative approach, seeking to build consensus across party lines on key issues affecting New Hampshire and the nation.

As she continues her service in the Senate, Hassan is expected to become New Hampshire's senior senator and the dean of the state's congressional delegation upon the anticipated retirement of Jeanne Shaheen in 2027. Her career trajectory illustrates a sustained commitment to public service and advocacy for the constituents of New Hampshire.