Background
Gilead Towne was born in Methuen, Massachusetts. His career experience includes working in the jewelry and watch industry.[1]
In their own words
Who are you? Tell us about yourself.
I have lived in N.H. my entire life. I first lived in Derry for 29 years before moving to Salem in 2019 with my wife Isabel Joy. We were married in May 2019 and have 1 child. I am a lifelong Republican.
My parents are Jeffrey and Maha Towne. Jeffrey grew up in Andover, MA. and is a long time postal worker. Maha immigrated to United States with her family from Lebanon in 1969 to escape political unrest that ultimately led to the Lebanese Civil War of 1975-1990. She is now an educator.
I have worked nearly my entire career at Royal Jewelers in Andover, MA. I credit the majority of my knowledge on how to get things done in the real world to my work experience. I have had success in the jewelry and watch industry. I attributes my success partially to the training that I have received, the level of service that I provide, and the sincerity that my clients perceive in me. I've worked with fortune 500 CEOs, notable foreigners, professional athletes, and many every day type people.
When I'm not working, I enjoy playing and watching sports, working on house projects, eating at restaurants, and spending time with my family.
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 will not get rich from being a congressman to avoid any potential conflict of interest. To me that means to me: 1. No paid speeches 2. No book deals 3. No stock market involvment while in office 4. No positions at companies that I would not have normally be offered 5. All other forms of questionable compensation that politicans receive. I am only interested in improving the lives of all Americans.I am America First - Freedom First - People FirstI am not afraid to speak the truth as well as my opinions and will always do just that. I believe that the truth should be spoken in a gracious and loving tone the majority of the time.
What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?
Here's my list:
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Defender of the 1st Amendment
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Defender of the 2nd Amendment
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Supporter of the Pro-Life Movement
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Reducing the Cost of College Tuition
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Reducing the Cost of Healthcare
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Strong Border Security
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Voter ID
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Capitalism
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Small Government
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Lower Taxes and Reducing Government Spending
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Small Business
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Term Limits
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Equal Pay for Equal Work
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Ending Discrimination against Conservatives
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Taking Better Care of our Veterans, Seniors, and Foster Children
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Breaking up Monopolies
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Holding China accountable for the Coronavirus
Who do you look up to? Whose example would you like to follow, and why?
On a personal level I would have to say my dad. He was not dealt an easy hand early on in life but he poured everything that he possibly could into giving his children a better opportunity that he had. He has also been great to my mom and therefore a good example of how a man should treat his wife. He is also extremely generous with his money, and has lived a life of service and sacrificial giving to others without recognition.
On a professional level it would be my employers Steven and Paula Leed. They gave me an opportunity early on in my career while the economy was struggling (2008) and after I had been turned down countless times by other companies in the jewelry industry. I have developed most of my professional skills while working under Steven and Paula. They have taught me so much and I would not be the person I am today without their influence.
On a political level it is definitely President Trump. He inspired me to run for office. I look up to his work ethic, effectiveness, and willingness to take a stand on unpopular issues regardless of the criticism that might follow.
Is there a book, essay, film, or something else you would recommend to someone who wants to understand your political philosophy?
I can't say that there is
What characteristics or principles are most important for an elected official?
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Personal moral integrity
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No strings attached to anyone except the constituents
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Competence
What qualities do you possess that you believe would make you a successful officeholder?
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Discipline
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Honesty and Integrity
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Competence
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The ability to listen
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Humility
What do you believe are the core responsibilities for someone elected to this office?
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Defend the Constitution
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Balance the Budget
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Oversight of the Executive Branch
What legacy would you like to leave?
That I put other people in front of myself and my ego.
What is the first historical event that happened in your lifetime that you remember? How old were you at the time?
9-11-2001. I was 12 years old at the time. I remember almost everything about that day.
What was your very first job? How long did you have it?
My very first job was cutting grass and doing yard work as a freelancer around the age of 14. I eventually partnered with my friend John Vetter from Salem NH (who was also a teenager) and we built a decent business together that served approximately 40 regular customers. I did this for approximately 2 and a half years.
What is your favorite book? Why?
the Bible. I believe it is God's instruction manual to us
Ben Carson (by Ben Carson) - This book was a big inspiration to me as a child. It inspired me to believe that in the United States of American you can achieve great things by hard work and regardless of who you are, where you started, or what anyone else thinks that you can or cannot do. Let's keep it this way!
If you could be any fictional character, who would you want to be?
Maximus from Gladiator
What was the last song that got stuck in your head?
I am not really into music actually but probably one of my daughters children songs!
What is something that has been a struggle in your life?
On a professional level:
I have struggled with starting successful business ventures that I became involved in while working at my current company.
On a personal level:
Maintaining a desired high level of energy for long periods of time.
Do you believe that it's beneficial for representatives to have previous experience in government or politics?
Not necessary. I believe that the right people can easily do a great job of being a representative.
What do you perceive to be the United States' greatest challenges as a nation over the next decade?
Unfortunately maintaining freedom in "the land of free" has to be at the top my list. This challenge is coming from people within our own country but it is also likely being influenced from people and governments outside of our country that would love to see our country fail.
I also think that it is obvious that China is becoming more and more powerful and too close in passing the United States as the most powerful country in the world. I am firm on this believe that the world is a safer and better place when the United States is the most powerful country. It would be a complete disaster and very dangerous if China were pass us.
If you are not a current representative, are there certain committees that you would want to be a part of?
Yes! At the top of my list are:
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Budget
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Education and Labor
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Ethics
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Foreign Affairs
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Homeland Security
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Oversight and Reform
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Science, Space and Technology
If you are a current representative, why did you join your current committees?
N/A
Do you believe that two years is the right term length for representatives?
I do not. I am in favor of 4 year terms for representatives with a limit of 3 terms.
Is there a particular representative, past or present, whom you want to model yourself after?
Not necessarily. I am not trying to model myself after anyone in particular but I have learned and been inspired by current representatives.
The Constitution says that all bills for raising revenue must originate in the House. What role would this power play in your priorities if elected?
I am totally in favor of cutting prevalent wasteful spending that is in many ways, veiled money laundering. If I am going to be responsible for spending taxpayers money then I am going to try and do this as efficiently as possible.
Campaign website
Towne's campaign website stated the following:
Some of Gilead's Positions on Key Issues
Defend the 1st Amendment
Defend the 2nd Amendment
Support of the Pro-Life Movement
Reduce the Cost of College Tuition
Reduce the Cost of Healthcare
Voter ID
Small Government
Capitalism
Term Limits
Equal Pay for Equal Work
Strong Border Security
Lower Taxes and Reduce Government Spending
Ending Discrimination against Conservatives
Taking Better Care of our Veterans, Seniors, and Foster Children
Breaking up Big Tech and Big Corporations
Hold China Accountable for the Coronavirus[2]
—Gilead Towne's campaign website (2022)[3]
Who are you? Tell us about yourself.
I have lived in N.H. my entire life. For the first 29 years of my life I lived in Derry and have recently moved to Salem with my wife Isabel Joy. We were married in May 2019 and are expecting our first child in June!
My parents are Jeffrey and Maha Towne. Jeffrey grew up in Andover, MA. and is a long time postal worker. Maha immigrated to United States with her family from Lebanon in 1969 to escape political unrest that ultimately led to the Lebanese Civil War of 1975-1990. She is now an educator.
I have worked nearly my entire career at Royal Jewelers in Andover, MA. I credit the majority of my knowledge on how to get things done in the real world to my work experience. I also operates a small side business designing and selling men's shirts and ties but will be putting this on hold during my political run.
I have been untraditionally successful in the jewelry and watch industry. I attributes my success partially to the training that I have received, the level of service that I provide, and the sincerity that my clients perceive in me. I've worked with fortune 500 CEOs, notable foreigners, professional athletes, and many every day type people.
When I'm not working, I enjoy playing and watching sports, working on house projects, eating at restaurants, and spending time with my family.
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 will gIving new meaning to the word servingI will make an important UNPRECEDENTED IMPORTANT promise I will and know that I can keep. This will be announced on April 25th 2020The needs and interests of all voters take priority over my personal interests
What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?
OPIOID ADDICTION:
It's no secret that many people in N.H. struggle, or know someone who struggles with opioid addiction. The effect that this has on someone and the ripple effects that this typically has on others is quite damaging. I believe in cutting off the supply of illegal drugs which largely comes from outside our country. I also believe in working with those effected.
HEALTHCARE:
Healthcare is unaffordable for many people. It costs more money than it ever has and covers less. This is not a good deal and it is only getting worse. If you are someone that is happy with your current plan then there should be no need for you to change. If you are not happy with your plan then you might be interested in what I will be working on presenting.
ECONOMY
There are so many positives in the national economy at the moment! Unemployment is very low, wages are rising, the stock market is setting multiple new records, GDP is growing, American companies can be more competitive on the world stage, and taxes are lower. I have a lot of confidence in President Trumps decisions regarding the economy and if I'm elected I plan to support his economic policies.
I would like to see more higher paying job opportunities available in this state. The N.H. border is just about 35 miles from Boston and yet Boston has so many more job opportunities. I would love to do whatever I can to bring more great companies to N.H., keep talent local, train new talent, and lower peoples commute!
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On the 2026 ballot
Links
Compiled from the candidate’s published profile as of September 30, 2026.
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