Ellen Read

Ellen Read is a Democratic member of the New Hampshire House of Representatives, currently serving the Rockingham 10 district. Her political career has been marked by a commitment to progressive values, with a focus on issues such as electoral reform, housing policy, environmental protection, and workers' rights. Throughout her tenure, she has engaged in various legislative initiatives and has held positions on several committees, reflecting her active involvement in state governance.

Early life and career

Ellen Read was born and raised in south Memphis, Tennessee, where she was the eldest of five siblings. Her educational background includes a Bachelor of Science degree in molecular and cellular biology from Vanderbilt University, where she also completed minors in religious studies and Japanese. Following her undergraduate studies, she pursued a master’s degree in liberal studies, specializing in environmental and socioeconomic ethics and policy, from the University of New Hampshire, which she completed in 2011.

Before entering politics, Read gained diverse professional experience. She worked as a high school teacher in Japan from 2003 to 2006, where she likely developed skills in communication and cultural understanding. Upon returning to the United States, she transitioned into academia, serving as an adjunct professor of American government at Great Bay Community College. Her background in education and her international experience have contributed to her perspectives on governance and public policy.

Since moving to Newmarket, New Hampshire, in 2009, Read has become increasingly involved in local and state politics. Her political journey began with her election to the New Hampshire House of Representatives on November 8, 2016, representing the Rockingham 17 district. During her time in office, she has been recognized for her progressive stance on various issues, which has shaped her legislative priorities and actions.

Legislative service

Ellen Read's legislative service has been characterized by her active participation in various committees and her sponsorship of numerous bills aimed at addressing key issues facing New Hampshire residents. She has served on the Fish and Game and Marine Resources Committee, where she has contributed to discussions and decisions regarding the management of the state's natural resources.

In addition to her committee work, Read has been involved in significant legislative initiatives. She was a founder of the New Hampshire Progressive Caucus, which aims to promote progressive policies within the state legislature. Her political affiliations have shifted over time; in 2021, she left the Democratic Party to serve as an independent, citing concerns about party leadership and specific allegations of corruption. However, she returned to the Democratic Party in 2022 and successfully won re-election, demonstrating her resilience and commitment to her constituents.

Read's legislative focus has included a wide range of issues, from constitutional reform to housing policy and workers' rights. She has sponsored and co-sponsored numerous bills, advocating for changes that reflect her progressive values. For instance, she has introduced constitutional amendments aimed at allowing recall elections and citizen-led initiatives, as well as proposals to establish a non-religious oath of office.

In the realm of criminal justice reform, Read has co-sponsored resolutions urging Congress to amend the 13th Amendment and has proposed legislation to establish affirmative defenses in cases of unlawful arrests. Her commitment to electoral reform is evident in her advocacy for ranked choice voting and her efforts to address the influence of corporate funding in elections.

Policy focus and district

Ellen Read's policy focus encompasses a variety of progressive issues that resonate with her constituents in the Rockingham 10 district. Her legislative agenda reflects her commitment to social justice, environmental sustainability, and economic equity. She has been an outspoken advocate for housing policy reform, proposing measures to abolish single-family zoning and to create a right to legal counsel for tenants facing eviction. These initiatives aim to address the housing crisis and ensure that residents have access to affordable and secure living conditions.

In addition to housing, Read has prioritized environmental issues, co-sponsoring legislation to limit single-use plastics and advocating for sustainable practices. Her environmental focus aligns with her educational background in environmental ethics, showcasing her dedication to protecting New Hampshire's natural resources.

Read's commitment to workers' rights is also a significant aspect of her legislative work. She has introduced bills aimed at improving working conditions, including proposals for advanced notice of work schedules and the establishment of a four-day work week. These initiatives reflect her belief in the importance of fair labor practices and the need for policies that support the well-being of workers.

Reproductive rights are another area of focus for Read, as she has proposed legislation to establish a right to sterilization. This initiative underscores her commitment to individual autonomy and reproductive health access.

Throughout her legislative career, Read has faced challenges and controversies, including public incidents that have drawn attention to her actions and statements. Despite these challenges, she continues to engage with her constituents and advocate for policies that align with her progressive values.

In summary, Ellen Read's career as a state legislator in New Hampshire is marked by her dedication to progressive policies and her active involvement in a range of legislative initiatives. Her background in education and her commitment to social justice, environmental sustainability, and workers' rights have shaped her approach to governance and her efforts to represent the interests of her constituents in the Rockingham 10 district.