Anna Howard

Anna Howard (Democratic Party) is running for election to the New Hampshire House of Representatives to represent Rockingham 21. Howard is on the ballot in the general election on November 3, 2026. Howard advanced from the Democratic primary on September 8, 2026.

Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

I’m an immigrant, a CPA and educator, a wife and mom, and a longtime community volunteer who believes public service should actually be about serving people. I came to the United States from the Soviet Union as a young woman and built my life here through education, hard work, good opportunities, and the generosity of people who helped me along the way. I earned my business education here, became a CPA and CMA, built a career in accounting and learning, and have spent years teaching college students and helping professionals develop their skills.

My family and I are fortunate to call Portsmouth home. I’ve served our community through the Portsmouth Economic Development Commission, South Church, the Senior Activity Center, local schools, and civic and social justice organizations.

I’m an accountant and auditor by training, so I have a natural tendency to ask where the money went. I’m also an educator, which has taught me that listening is usually more useful than lecturing. I try to bring both instincts to public service: understand the facts, listen carefully, ask good questions, and look for practical solutions.

I’m running because America has given me extraordinary opportunities, and I want to help make sure those opportunities remain available to everyone. I believe government should protect our rights, strengthen our communities, use taxpayer dollars responsibly, and give ordinary people a fair chance to build a good life.

Please list below 3 key messages of your campaign. What are the main points you want voters to remember about your goals for your time in office?

I’m a CPA, educator, immigrant, community volunteer, wife and mom. I believe in progressive values, such as human rights and social justice. I also believe good intentions need good execution. I will ask questions, follow the money, look at the evidence, and work for solutions that actually improve people’s lives.New Hampshire should be a place where regular people can afford to build a good life. I want to reduce pressure on property taxpayers, strengthen public education, expand affordable housing and childcare, support workers and local businesses, and make sure state government is investing wisely instead of simply shifting costs onto cities, towns and families.Democracy works best when representatives listen to the people they serve. I will protect individual rights, local democracy and the rule of law, while bringing civility and accountability back to government. I won’t agree with everyone, and I won’t pretend to. But I will listen, will do my research, explain my decisions honestly, and answer questions.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

I’m especially passionate about human rights and protecting democracy. I believe every person has inherent dignity and deserves equal protection, equal opportunity, and a meaningful voice in our government. That means defending civil rights, voting rights, reproductive freedom, LGBTQ+ rights, immigrant rights, freedom of speech, and the rule of law. Democracy is more than elections. It depends on accountable institutions, honest government, an informed public, and leaders who respect both the Constitution and the humanity of people they disagree with. I want to help protect those foundations and make government work for ALL people.