Bobbi Boudman

Roberta "Bobbi" Boudman is a Democratic politician currently serving as a member of the New Hampshire House of Representatives, representing the Carroll 7th district. She entered the state legislature following a special election in March 2026, where she succeeded Republican incumbent Glenn Cordelli after his resignation. Boudman has been involved in various political activities and campaigns, demonstrating a commitment to her constituents and the Democratic Party.

Early life and career

Bobbi Boudman has lived in Wolfeboro, New Hampshire, since 2008, where she resides with her husband, Christian Boudman, a visual effects artist, and their son. While specific details about her early life and educational background are not provided, her long-term residency in Wolfeboro indicates a deep connection to her community. This local engagement likely influenced her decision to enter politics and serve the interests of her constituents.

Before her political career, Boudman was active in supporting Democratic candidates and causes. In March 2019, she publicly endorsed John Hickenlooper during the 2020 Democratic presidential primaries, aligning herself with the party's efforts to secure a Democratic nomination for the presidency. This involvement in national politics may have helped her build a network and gain experience that would later benefit her in her own political endeavors.

Boudman's initial foray into electoral politics came in 2022 when she ran for the New Hampshire House of Representatives in the Carroll 7th district. In this election, she faced off against the incumbent Republican, Glenn Cordelli. Despite her efforts, Boudman was not successful, receiving approximately 43.71% of the vote. This experience, however, likely provided her with valuable insights into the electoral process and the political landscape of her district.

In 2024, Boudman again challenged Cordelli for the same seat. She campaigned vigorously but was unable to secure victory, earning around 43.1% of the vote in the general election. These initial campaigns, although unsuccessful, laid the groundwork for her future political endeavors and demonstrated her resilience and commitment to representing her community.

Legislative service

Boudman's significant breakthrough in her political career occurred in 2026 when she announced her candidacy for a special election to fill the vacancy left by Glenn Cordelli's resignation. This special election was scheduled for March 10, 2026, and marked a critical moment for Boudman as she sought to flip the district from Republican to Democratic control.

During the campaign, Boudman faced various challenges, including negative campaigning from the New Hampshire Republican State Committee. This included a controversial mailer featuring an AI-generated image that misrepresented her views and intentions. Boudman responded to these tactics by filing a complaint with the Attorney General of New Hampshire regarding a spoof website that was also part of the Republican campaign strategy. Such actions highlighted the contentious nature of the election and the lengths to which candidates would go to influence public perception.

In the special election, Boudman ran against Republican nominee Dale Fincher. The campaign was characterized by a significant policy disagreement regarding New Hampshire's Education Freedom Accounts, with Boudman opposing the school voucher program while Fincher supported it. This divergence on educational policy became a focal point of the election and resonated with voters in the district.

Ultimately, Boudman achieved a notable victory in the special election, securing approximately 51% of the vote. This win was significant not only for her personally but also for the Democratic Party, as it represented a shift in the political landscape of the Carroll 7th district. Following her victory, she was sworn into office on March 25, 2026, marking the beginning of her legislative service in the New Hampshire House of Representatives.

Policy focus and district

As a member of the New Hampshire House of Representatives, Boudman represents the Carroll 7th district, which encompasses parts of the state that may have unique demographic and political characteristics. Her legislative focus has been informed by her experiences in previous campaigns and her commitment to addressing the needs of her constituents.

Boudman's policy positions and advocacy efforts reflect her Democratic values. She has been vocal about her opposition to the Education Freedom Accounts, a program that supports school vouchers, indicating her preference for public education funding and her concern for equitable access to educational resources. This stance aligns with broader Democratic priorities regarding education and social equity.

In addition to her focus on education, Boudman has engaged in discussions surrounding immigration and law enforcement practices. For instance, she spoke at a Carroll County commission meeting in May 2025, expressing her opposition to collaboration between local law enforcement and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). This position underscores her commitment to advocating for immigrant rights and ensuring that local policies reflect the values of inclusivity and community support.

Boudman's legislative service is still in its early stages, and as she continues to represent the Carroll 7th district, her policy priorities and initiatives will likely evolve based on the needs of her constituents and the political landscape of New Hampshire. Her experiences in previous elections and her active engagement in community issues suggest that she will remain a dedicated advocate for the residents of her district.