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Chris Balch

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Chris Balch
Image of Chris Balch

Democratic Party

Prior offices
New Hampshire House of Representatives Hillsborough 38
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Chris Balch (Democratic Party) was a member of the New Hampshire House of Representatives, representing Hillsborough 38. He assumed office on December 5, 2018. He left office on December 1, 2020.

Balch (Democratic Party) ran for election to the New Hampshire House of Representatives to represent Hillsborough 38. He won in the general election on November 6, 2018.

Balch completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2018. Click here to read the survey answers.

Committee assignments

2019-2020

Balch was assigned to the following committees:


Elections

2020

See also: New Hampshire House of Representatives elections, 2020

Chris Balch did not file to run for re-election.

2018

See also: New Hampshire House of Representatives elections, 2018

General election

General election for New Hampshire House of Representatives Hillsborough 38 (2 seats)

Chris Balch and James Bosman defeated David Bedard and incumbent John Valera in the general election for New Hampshire House of Representatives Hillsborough 38 on November 6, 2018.

Candidate
%
Votes
✔
Image of Chris Balch
Chris Balch (D) Candidate Connection
 
26.7
 
4,970
✔
Silhouette Placeholder Image.png
Submit photo
James Bosman (D)
 
25.7
 
4,784
Silhouette Placeholder Image.png
Submit photo
David Bedard (R)
 
24.3
 
4,518
Silhouette Placeholder Image.png
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John Valera (R)
 
23.3
 
4,341
 Other/Write-in votes
 
0.0
 
6

Incumbents are bolded and underlined. The results have been certified. Source

Total votes: 18,619
Candidate Connection = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey.

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Democratic primary election

Democratic primary for New Hampshire House of Representatives Hillsborough 38 (2 seats)

Chris Balch and James Bosman advanced from the Democratic primary for New Hampshire House of Representatives Hillsborough 38 on September 11, 2018.

Candidate
%
Votes
✔
Image of Chris Balch
Chris Balch Candidate Connection
 
52.8
 
1,824
✔
Silhouette Placeholder Image.png
Submit photo
James Bosman
 
47.2
 
1,628

There were no incumbents in this race. The results have been certified. Source

Total votes: 3,452
Candidate Connection = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey.

Do you want a spreadsheet of this type of data? Contact our sales team.

Republican primary election

Republican primary for New Hampshire House of Representatives Hillsborough 38 (2 seats)

David Bedard and incumbent John Valera advanced from the Republican primary for New Hampshire House of Representatives Hillsborough 38 on September 11, 2018.

Candidate
%
Votes
✔
Silhouette Placeholder Image.png
Submit photo
David Bedard
 
54.7
 
1,280
✔
Silhouette Placeholder Image.png
Submit photo
John Valera
 
45.3
 
1,061

Incumbents are bolded and underlined. The results have been certified. Source

Total votes: 2,341
Candidate Connection = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey.

Do you want a spreadsheet of this type of data? Contact our sales team.

Campaign themes

2018

Ballotpedia survey responses

See also: Ballotpedia's candidate surveys
Candidate Connection

Chris Balch participated in Ballotpedia's candidate survey on September 26, 2018. The survey questions appear in bold, and Chris Balch's responses follow below.[1]

What would be your top three priorities, if elected?

“ Energy - Environment

Education

Guns[2][3]

”

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about? Why?

“ I am particularly passionate about the environment. After teaching science, including environmental sciences and ecology for over 40 years, I cannot help but wonder how the Republican party has gone from Reagan's ""It needs more study"" to today's ""Climate change is not real."" If we are to survive on this planet we need to stop talking change and start making it.Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; invalid names, e.g. too many[3] ”

Ballotpedia also asked the candidate a series of optional questions. Chris Balch answered the following:

Who do you look up to? Whose example would you like to follow and why?

“ I admire Dr. Martin Luther King's courage and tenacity. I admire Nina Turner, Tulsi Gabbard and Bernie Sander for their willingness to tell the truth, and grapple with the hard issues.[3] ”
Is there a book, essay, film, or something else that best describes your political philosophy?
“ Hm. No. Not really. Rod Webber's independent film, The War of North Dakota, details the Standing Rock Sioux's struggle against the Dakota Access Pipeline. I admire his work in telling the true story (I was there so I know it's true.)[3] ”
What characteristics or principles are most important for an elected official?
“ Willingness to do right. To NOT be bought. To recognize that the people who elected you are putting their trust in you to do right by them, to represent them. Willingness to live up to and honor that expectation.[3] ”
What qualities do you possess that would make you a successful officeholder?
“ The ones described above. I'm also well-informed, a competent researcher and thinker, and generally a good judge of character.[3] ”
What do you believe are the core responsibilities for someone elected to this office?
“ Willingness to do right. To NOT be bought. To recognize that the people who elected you are putting their trust in you to do right by them, to represent them. Willingness to live up to and honor that expectation.[3] ”
What legacy would you like to leave?
“ An energy infrastructure transitioning away from fossil fuels. An educational system that is better funded without added burden to NH property owners. A state of improved gun safety. A reduction in opioid addiction in my state. More affordable housing and better job opportunities/wages for young people.[3] ”
What is the first historical event that happened in your lifetime that you remember? How old were you at that time?
“ Not the 1st I remember, but the first that really shook me was Kennedy's assassination. I was 10.[3] ”
What was your very first job? How long did you have it?
“ I was a carpenter's helper, which meant I schlepped building supplies around and dug ditches. I had it for a couple of years between HS and college.[3] ”
What happened on your most awkward date?
“ I'll never tell.[3] ”
What is your favorite holiday? Why?
“ Thanksgiving. A peaceful time for family to get together with no expectation of presents.[3] ”
What is your favorite book? Why?
“ Hard question. I have enjoyed many times many books over the years. The favorite book I wrote is One Summer.[3] ”
If you could be any fictional character, who would you be?
“ Superman or Spiderman. Superman because he's super, Spiderman because he's cool.[3] ”
What is your favorite thing in your home or apartment? Why?
“ My spouse. Obvious reasons.[3] ”
What was the last song that got stuck in your head?
“ I have no idea...[3] ”
What is something that has been a struggle in your life?
“ Getting older. Watching youth recede in the rear view is never easy or welcome.[3] ”
(For non-Nebraska candidates) What do you consider the most important differences between the legislative chambers in your state?
“ I don't dwell on differences. I suppose we all can at times, but it is much more important to find and nurture common ground.[3] ”
Do you believe that it’s beneficial for state legislators to have previous experience in government or politics?
“ Not necessarily. It is perhaps more important to be a decent human being who has experienced a happy life.[3] ”
What do you perceive to be your state’s greatest challenges over the next decade?
“ If we are to survive as the human race, we must change our approach to energy production and consumption. Not just NH. Everywhere.[3] ”
What do you believe is the ideal relationship between the governor and the state legislature?
“ Good communication, willingness to meet each other half-way, keeping each other informed.[3] ”
Do you believe it’s beneficial to build relationships with other legislators? Please explain your answer.
“ Yes. We are all trying to do the same job, so we have a great deal of common ground to work from.[3] ”
What process do you favor for redistricting?
“ An independent commission that meets and redistricts after each census.[3] ”
If you are not a current legislator, are there certain committees that you would want to be a part of?
“ Education, energy.[3] ”
If you are not currently a member of your party’s leadership in the legislature, would you be interested in joining the leadership? If so, in what role?
“ Uncertain. Gadfly?[3] ”
Is there a particular legislator, past or present, whom you want to model yourself after?
“ Uncertain.[3] ”
Are you interested in running for a different political office in the future?
“ Not at present.[3] ”
Both sitting legislators and candidates for office hear many personal stories from the residents of their district. Is there a story that you’ve heard that you found particularly touching, memorable, or impactful?
“ Dozens. From violence to addiction to failure of the educational system and more. When canvassing, I always ask people what are the issues important to them.[3] ”

Scorecards

See also: State legislative scorecards and State legislative scorecards in New Hampshire

A scorecard evaluates a legislator’s voting record. Its purpose is to inform voters about the legislator’s political positions. Because scorecards have varying purposes and methodologies, each report should be considered on its own merits. For example, an advocacy group’s scorecard may assess a legislator’s voting record on one issue while a state newspaper’s scorecard may evaluate the voting record in its entirety.

Ballotpedia is in the process of developing an encyclopedic list of published scorecards. Some states have a limited number of available scorecards or scorecards produced only by select groups. It is Ballotpedia’s goal to incorporate all available scorecards regardless of ideology or number.

Click here for an overview of legislative scorecards in all 50 states.  To contribute to the list of New Hampshire scorecards, email suggestions to editor@ballotpedia.org.






2020

In 2020, the New Hampshire State Legislature was in session from January 8 to June 30. The session was suspended from March 14 to June 11.

Legislators are scored on their votes on economic issues.
Legislators are scored on their votes on bills related to economic issues.
Legislators are scored on their votes on bills related to business issues.
Legislators are scored based on if they voted with the Republican Party.
Legislators are scored by the organization "on pro-liberty and anti-liberty roll call votes."
Legislators are scored on their votes on bills supported or opposed by the organization.
Legislators are scored on their votes on conservative issues.


2019







See also

External links

Footnotes

  1. ↑ Note: The candidate's answers have been reproduced here verbatim without edits or corrections by Ballotpedia.
  2. ↑ Ballotpedia's candidate survey, "Chris Balch's responses," September 26, 2018
  3. ↑ 3.00 3.01 3.02 3.03 3.04 3.05 3.06 3.07 3.08 3.09 3.10 3.11 3.12 3.13 3.14 3.15 3.16 3.17 3.18 3.19 3.20 3.21 3.22 3.23 3.24 3.25 3.26 3.27 Note: This text is quoted verbatim from the original source. Any inconsistencies are attributable to the original source.


Current members of the New Hampshire House of Representatives
Representatives
Belknap 1
Belknap 2
Belknap 3
Belknap 4
Belknap 5
Belknap 6
Belknap 7
Belknap 8
Carroll 1
Tom Buco (D)
Carroll 2
Carroll 3
Carroll 4
Carroll 5
Carroll 6
Carroll 7
Carroll 8
Cheshire 1
Cheshire 10
Cheshire 11
Cheshire 12
Cheshire 13
Cheshire 14
John Hunt (R)
Cheshire 15
Cheshire 16
Cheshire 17
Cheshire 18
Cheshire 2
Dru Fox (D)
Cheshire 3
Cheshire 4
Cheshire 5
Cheshire 6
Cheshire 7
Cheshire 8
Cheshire 9
Coos 1
Coos 2
Coos 3
Coos 4
Seth King (R)
Coos 5
Coos 6
Coos 7
Grafton 1
Grafton 10
Grafton 11
Grafton 12
Grafton 13
Grafton 14
Grafton 15
Grafton 16
Grafton 17
Grafton 18
Grafton 2
Grafton 3
Grafton 4
Grafton 5
Grafton 6
Grafton 7
Grafton 8
Grafton 9
Hillsborough 1
Hillsborough 10
Bill Ohm (R)
Hillsborough 11
Hillsborough 12
Bill Boyd (R)
Hillsborough 13
Hillsborough 14
Hillsborough 15
Hillsborough 16
Hillsborough 17
Hillsborough 18
Hillsborough 19
Matt Drew (R)
Hillsborough 2
Hillsborough 20
Hillsborough 21
Hillsborough 22
Hillsborough 23
Hillsborough 24
Hillsborough 25
Hillsborough 26
Hillsborough 27
Hillsborough 28
Keith Erf (R)
Hillsborough 29
Hillsborough 3
Hillsborough 30
Hillsborough 31
Hillsborough 32
Hillsborough 33
Hillsborough 34
Hillsborough 35
Hillsborough 36
Hillsborough 37
Hillsborough 38
Hillsborough 39
Hillsborough 4
Hillsborough 40
Hillsborough 41
Lily Foss (D)
Hillsborough 42
Lisa Post (R)
Hillsborough 43
Hillsborough 44
Hillsborough 45
Hillsborough 5
Hillsborough 6
Hillsborough 7
Hillsborough 8
Hillsborough 9
Merrimack 1
Merrimack 10
Merrimack 11
Merrimack 12
Merrimack 13
Merrimack 14
Merrimack 15
Merrimack 16
Merrimack 17
Merrimack 18
Merrimack 19
Merrimack 2
Merrimack 20
Merrimack 21
Merrimack 22
Merrimack 23
Merrimack 24
Merrimack 25
Merrimack 26
Alvin See (R)
Merrimack 27
Merrimack 28
Merrimack 29
Merrimack 3
Merrimack 30
Merrimack 4
Merrimack 5
Merrimack 6
Merrimack 7
Merrimack 8
Merrimack 9
Rockingham 1
Rockingham 10
Rockingham 11
Rockingham 12
Zoe Manos (D)
Rockingham 13
Rockingham 14
Pam Brown (R)
Rockingham 15
Rockingham 16
Tom Dolan (R)
Ron Dunn (R)
Rockingham 17
Rockingham 18
Rockingham 19
Rockingham 2
Rockingham 20
Rockingham 21
Rockingham 22
Rockingham 23
Rockingham 24
Rockingham 25
Rockingham 26
Rockingham 27
Rockingham 28
Rockingham 29
Rockingham 3
Mary Ford (R)
Rockingham 30
Rockingham 31
Terry Roy (R)
Rockingham 32
Rockingham 33
Rockingham 34
Rockingham 35
Rockingham 36
Rockingham 37
Rockingham 38
Rockingham 39
Rockingham 4
Rockingham 40
Rockingham 5
Rockingham 6
Rockingham 7
Rockingham 8
Rockingham 9
Strafford 1
Strafford 10
Strafford 11
Strafford 12
Strafford 13
Strafford 14
Strafford 15
Strafford 16
Strafford 17
Strafford 18
Strafford 19
Strafford 2
Strafford 20
Strafford 21
Luz Bay (D)
Strafford 3
Strafford 4
Strafford 5
Strafford 6
Strafford 7
Strafford 8
Strafford 9
Sullivan 1
Sullivan 2
Sullivan 3
Sullivan 4
Judy Aron (R)
Sullivan 5
Sullivan 6
Sullivan 7
Sullivan 8
Republican Party (217)
Democratic Party (177)
Independent (1)


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