Tom Sherman

Thomas Sherman is a former American politician and physician who served as a member of the New Hampshire Senate representing the 24th district. A member of the Democratic Party, Sherman held office from 2018 until 2022, during which he was involved in various legislative initiatives, particularly in the areas of health care and public policy. Prior to his tenure in the state senate, he was a member of the New Hampshire House of Representatives and has been recognized for his advocacy in health-related issues, including the implementation of the Affordable Care Act at the state level.

Early life and career

Born on October 31, 1957, Thomas Sherman pursued an academic path that led him to a career in medicine. He earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in classics from Northwestern University in 1980. Following this, he completed his pre-medical coursework at Georgetown University, which prepared him for medical school. Sherman received his medical degree from the University of Connecticut in 1987, specializing in gastroenterology. His medical career has been marked by various leadership roles, including serving as Medical Staff President and a board member at Fauquier Hospital in Virginia.

Throughout his medical practice, Sherman has received several accolades, reflecting his commitment to excellence in health care. He was honored with the Knowlton Incentive for Excellence Award from Washington University School of Medicine, the Internal Medicine Award from the University of Connecticut School of Medicine, and the James E. C. Walker Award from the same institution. Additionally, he was recognized by Castle Connolly as one of their Top Doctors™ for the years 2012 and 2013. Sherman is also a member of the American Board of Internal Medicine, underscoring his professional qualifications in the field.

Beyond his clinical work, Sherman has been actively involved in health advocacy. He is a founding director of the Next Generation Choices Foundation and serves as the chairman of the board of directors for LessCancer.org, a nonprofit organization dedicated to educating the public about lifestyle changes that may reduce cancer risk. His medical background and advocacy work have informed his political career, particularly in health-related legislative initiatives.

Legislative service

Sherman's political career began in the New Hampshire House of Representatives, where he was elected to represent the Rockingham 24th District in 2012. He served alongside fellow Democrat David Borden and was a member of the Health, Human Services, & Elderly Affairs committee. Sherman and Borden were successfully re-elected in 2014, further solidifying his role in state politics.

In 2018, Sherman transitioned to the New Hampshire Senate, where he served until 2022. During his time in the senate, he held significant positions, including ranking member and former chair of the Senate Health & Human Services committee. He was also a member and former chair of the Election Law & Municipal Affairs committee. His leadership roles in these committees allowed him to influence key health policies and legislative decisions.

Throughout his legislative career, Sherman was an advocate for various health initiatives. He played a crucial role in the state-level implementation of the Affordable Care Act, particularly through the New Hampshire Health Protection Program. He led efforts to expand Medicaid, which resulted in coverage for approximately 50,000 residents. This initiative was part of a broader effort to enhance access to health care services in New Hampshire.

Sherman was also involved in legislation aimed at addressing public health concerns. He co-sponsored a bill that prohibited teenagers from using tanning salons, which was signed into law by then-Governor Maggie Hassan in 2015. Additionally, he supported the legalization of medical marijuana for patients with terminal illnesses and serious conditions, testifying in favor of the medical provisions of the law in 2013. This legislation was enacted and became effective in July of that same year.

Another significant legislative effort led by Sherman involved the regulation of hospital technicians. He co-sponsored a bill that required these technicians to register with a board for health care workers, ensuring that those with access to drugs and patients were properly monitored. This law, which included provisions for hospitals to report disciplinary actions, went into effect in October 2014.

Sherman's contributions to health policy and his advocacy for cancer prevention were highlighted in various interviews and articles, showcasing his commitment to public health issues. His legislative efforts reflect a focus on improving health care access and safety for New Hampshire residents.

Policy focus and district

During his time in the New Hampshire Senate, Sherman represented the 24th district, which encompasses parts of Rockingham County. His policy focus was primarily centered on health care, reflecting his professional background as a physician. He advocated for policies that aimed to improve health outcomes for residents, particularly through the expansion of Medicaid and the implementation of health care reforms.

Sherman's legislative initiatives often addressed pressing public health issues, including substance abuse and cancer prevention. He was vocal about the importance of preserving Medicaid expansion to ensure continued support for drug treatment programs, particularly for individuals facing drug-related offenses. His commitment to health care reform was evident in his efforts to implement state-level changes that aligned with national health care policies.

In addition to health care, Sherman was involved in electoral matters, serving as chair of the Election Law & Municipal Affairs committee. His work in this area demonstrated a broader interest in ensuring fair and accessible electoral processes within the state.

In early 2022, Sherman announced his intention to run for governor of New Hampshire, forming an exploratory committee and later officially launching his campaign. Despite his efforts, he lost to the incumbent Republican governor Chris Sununu in the gubernatorial election.

Overall, Thomas Sherman's career in public service and health advocacy has been characterized by a commitment to improving health care access and addressing critical public health challenges in New Hampshire. His legislative work has left a lasting impact on the state's health policies and continues to influence discussions around health care reform.