Maggie Hassan

Margaret Wood Hassan, commonly known as Maggie Hassan, is an American politician and attorney who served as the 81st governor of New Hampshire from 2013 to 2017. A member of the Democratic Party, she has also been serving as the junior United States senator for New Hampshire since 2017. Hassan's political career has been marked by her focus on healthcare, education, and economic development, reflecting her background as an attorney and her commitment to public service.

Early life and career

Maggie Hassan was born on February 27, 1958, in Boston, Massachusetts. She is the daughter of Margaret Byers and Robert Coldwell Wood, a political scientist who held the position of U.S. Secretary of Housing and Urban Development during the Lyndon Johnson administration. Growing up in Lincoln, Massachusetts, Hassan was influenced by her parents' political engagement, which included her participation in activities such as collating mailers for the League of Women Voters. This early exposure to civic involvement likely shaped her future career in politics.

Hassan attended Lincoln-Sudbury Regional High School, graduating in 1976. She then pursued higher education at Brown University, where she majored in history and earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in 1980. While at Brown, she met Thomas Hassan, who would later become her husband. Following her undergraduate studies, Hassan attended the Northeastern University School of Law, where she received her Juris Doctor degree in 1985.

After completing her legal education, Hassan began her career as an attorney. She initially worked at the Boston law firm Palmer & Dodge from 1985 to 1992. Following this, 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-based corporate defense and business law firm, where she continued to hone her legal skills until 1999. During this period, she also became involved in public service when then-New Hampshire Governor Jeanne Shaheen appointed her as a citizen advisor to the Advisory Committee to the Adequacy in Education and Finance Commission.

Governorship

Maggie Hassan's political career took a significant turn when she decided to run for the New Hampshire Senate in 2002. Encouraged by Democratic Party leaders, she entered the race but was defeated by incumbent Russell Prescott. However, she persisted and ran again in 2004, successfully winning the seat with a narrow margin. During her tenure in the New Hampshire Senate from 2005 to 2010, Hassan held various leadership roles, including serving as the assistant Democratic whip, president pro tempore, and majority leader. Her legislative work included significant contributions to the state's budget and the legalization of same-sex marriage in New Hampshire.

After a brief hiatus from elected office, Hassan announced her candidacy for governor in October 2011. She won the Democratic primary with a substantial majority, receiving 53% of the vote against former state senator Jacalyn Cilley. Her campaign was notable for its focus on implementing the Affordable Care Act and addressing key issues affecting New Hampshire residents. In the general election, Hassan faced Republican nominee Ovide M. Lamontagne and emerged victorious, securing 55% of the vote and winning every county in the state.

Hassan's governorship began in January 2013, and she quickly established herself as a prominent figure in state politics. During her first term, she was elected vice chair of the Democratic Governors Association, which allowed her to engage with governors from across the country and share best practices in governance. In 2014, she successfully ran for re-election, further solidifying her position as a leader in New Hampshire.

Throughout her time as governor, Hassan focused on several key issues, including healthcare, education, and economic development. She was an advocate for expanding access to healthcare services and worked to implement policies that would benefit New Hampshire residents. Her administration also prioritized education funding and initiatives aimed at improving the state's economy.

Policy focus and legacy

Maggie Hassan's governorship was characterized by her commitment to addressing the needs of New Hampshire residents through a variety of policy initiatives. One of her primary focuses was on healthcare, particularly in the context of the Affordable Care Act. She worked to expand Medicaid and improve access to health services, which was a critical issue for many constituents. Her efforts in this area were part of a broader strategy to enhance the quality of life for New Hampshire residents.

In addition to healthcare, Hassan's administration placed a strong emphasis on education. She recognized the importance of investing in education as a means to foster economic growth and improve opportunities for future generations. Under her leadership, efforts were made to increase funding for public education and support initiatives aimed at enhancing educational outcomes for students across the state.

Economic development was another cornerstone of Hassan's governorship. She sought to create a favorable environment for businesses to thrive, which included initiatives to promote job creation and support small businesses. Her administration worked to attract new industries to New Hampshire while supporting existing businesses through various programs and incentives.

Hassan's legacy as governor is also marked by her role in advancing social issues, particularly her involvement in the legalization of same-sex marriage in New Hampshire. Her leadership in this area reflected her commitment to equality and civil rights, and her efforts contributed to the state's progressive reputation on social issues.

After completing her term as governor, Hassan transitioned to the U.S. Senate, where she continued to advocate for the interests of New Hampshire residents. She has since been involved in various legislative efforts and remains a prominent figure in national politics. Her journey from state politics to the federal level exemplifies her dedication to public service and her ongoing commitment to addressing the challenges faced by her constituents. As she continues her career in the Senate, Hassan's impact on New Hampshire and her contributions to American politics are likely to be felt for years to come.