Mark Racic

As of 2026, Mark Racic was retired.[1]

Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

I am a retired lifelong Strafford County Resident. I moved from a Democratic College town to a more rural lake community in Milton, NH, with a balanced population. NH faces many challenges, and in contributing my voice and efforts, I hope to advance solutions while protecting the people from tax increases caused by unwise spending and regulations.

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?

NH suffers from high housing prices and insufficient entry level housing stocks. Property Taxes are forcing fixed income elderly individuals and couples to sell. In many cases this forces the relocation to another state away from friends and family.

This is a complicated issue involving local zoning rules, private investment groups, town services being stretched, building codes, and population density affecting the local lifestyles.

NH is an island of sanity in a New England filled with dysfunctional blue states. Our population is increasing as businesses and residents vote with their feet to greener pastures. We stand to gain from our stability and friendly business environment on a smaller scale than Florida and Texas.NH depends on property taxes. No State income tax exists. Only meals and rooms have a sales tax. The primary use of the property tax is for local schools. There are savings and efficiency improvements needed to improve school budgets, student performance, and teacher take home pay.

The current structure of school boards, SAU's administration, budget committee responsibility, and the lack of parental input are stressing the system to the point that student performance/achievement is frequently a lower priority than some other pressing need.Social decay is affecting our quality of life and endangering the next generation. Who could imagine that we would argue about what a woman is? When did it become reasonable to select which laws we choose to follow and ignore the ones that provide a voting block? Without protecting women's private spaces, parental responsibility over children, and election integrity to choose our representatives, our 250-year experiment is at risk.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

Housing, lower taxes, protecting the family, and supporting women.

What organizations or individuals have endorsed your campaign?

TBA soon

Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

Mark Racic previously retired from Teledyne Electronic Technologies as Director of Marketing and New Business in Hudson NH. Currently, Mark has contributed more than 20 yrs to the St, Thomas More Food Pantry in Durham. A lifelong resident of the seacoast, Mark has lived 23 years in Durham, NH with his wife Cynthia of 48 years. The Strafford 20 communities are currently represented by a pro-tax, pro-spend, government-first ideology that threatens our rights and wallet. These are challenging times. Our federal government supported by the extreme left NH Delegation in Washington is making life more expensive, less secure, and prioritizing sea level a hundred years in the future while our store shelves are empty, we suffer $100 fill-ups, and our electric rates double. The NH legislature needs to protect our elderly from this assault. We need to resist extreme federal indifference while thousands die of overdoses. We need to set an example for empowering our parents to choose health and educational options for their children that make sense to them. We cannot be distracted by shiny objects presented with one hand while the other steals our future. Our system of government requires us to follow laws and change them legally when they become obsolete, not selective enforcement or judicial legislation from the bench.

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?

We must preserve our way of life. NH competes with our regional neighbors for manufacturing jobs, tourism, and quality of life. Having no sales or income taxes is fundamental to keeping us the first choice of businesses and families seeking relief from states that have high crime, high taxes and woke governments.We can be better. Continued phase-out of the state interest and dividend tax, passing a Right to work law, expanding our school choice options backed by a parental bill of rights will help the next generation inherit a stronger NH.In these troubled times of pandemic and bad leadership in DC, we must stand for law and order with one tier of justice. Laws ignored are corrosive to our system of checks and balance. DOJ and FBI reform couples with our State executive emergency powers. Citizen rights cannot be protected by suspending them. The limits on emergency powers need to be reinforced and shortened. The legislature must affirm them all with short time limits.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

I would like to see more housing created in an affordable price range. Exploring the availability of Government-owned land at the State-County and local levels may reveal areas that could be developed in new ways. Local builders using local materials with local labor on state orphan parcels of land provided for this purpose could help. When I say government land here I mean a city takes state land or the state takes county or city land from each other and transfers it at the cost of $1 if it is used for housing within two years. Private developers compete for tiny house villages or other low-cost housing parks sold at set prices that then enter the taxable property of each town. I am interested in oversight of the University system for financials, diversity of thought on campus, and how much has China penetrated into our schools of business, science, and engineering.

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

Gordon Humphry was a man that held conservative values and held office both high and low. He returned to the General Court after serving in the US Senate. We need more humble servants.

Is there a book, essay, film, or something else you would recommend to someone who wants to understand your political philosophy?

Almost anything written by Milton Friedman.

What characteristics or principles are most important for an elected official?

Honor, truth, followup, and lots of elbow grease.

What do you believe are the core responsibilities for someone elected to this office?

To follow the NH Constitution and the US Constitution.

What is the first historical event that happened in your lifetime that you remember? How old were you at the time?

10 April 1963, USS THRESHER (SSN-593) sunk off Portsmouth. Most of my family either worked at the yard or were in the Navy reserve in Subs. I was 10 yrs old and overcome with the shared grief of my family that knew people on that dive.

What was your very first job? How long did you have it?

14yrs old, I worked at the Newington Drive-IN Theatre. I cleaned the snack shack, picked up the trash scattered among the rows of speakers, and mowed the lawns. This lasted for two years before I upgraded to pumping gas at gas stations closer to home at sixteen.

What do you believe is the ideal relationship between the governor and state legislature?

Ideal is a high standard. I believe that the legislature should make the laws and the Governor should administrate. Either one can suggest in private or public ideas and promote them, ultimatly the legislation must be worked out in detail by the House and Senate.

What do you perceive to be your state's greatest challenges over the next decade?

Energy price reduction is likely only possible with various state-wide construction projects that some towns will want to block. Energy from any source needs to be distributed.

Affordable housing is limiting the young from staying in the state coupled with the need for manufacturing and service jobs.

What are the benefits and drawbacks of a unicameral state legislature, in your opinion?

Bicameral requires more debate and legislative refinement. Unicameral could place underdeveloped bills into law.

Do you believe that it’s beneficial for state legislators to have previous experience in government or politics?

Yes for some percentage, but all disciplines are valuable when the laws that get made cover things like finance, medical, resources, family, education, etc.

Do you believe it’s beneficial to build relationships with other legislators? Please explain your answer.

Yes, networking is human nature. Over time you seek those you trust and have similar interests to work with.

What process do you favor for redistricting?

The current one.

If you are not a current legislator, are there certain committees that you would want to be a part of?

I would like to be involved with NH Resource management. Oversite on the University system and its financials. Fish and game oversite.

Are you interested in running for a different political office (for example, the U.S. Congress or governor) in the future?

No. Two terms in the House and OUT.

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?

Mostly I have been hearing about the tyrannical edits of the Town government over individuals and small businesses. But I live in Durham, known to be anti-business.

Should the legislature oversee or grant the use of emergency powers?

Yes, the Governor may be best to declare one and the legislators confirm or deny within a thirty-day window that sunsets all emergency orders.

Do you believe that compromise is necessary or desirable for policymaking?

A 400-seat legislature can only make progress or solve problems with compromise. That said, one should have principles that guide you as to the methodology of proposed solutions.

Mark Racic did not complete [the profile publisher]'s 2020 Candidate Connection survey.

What would be your top three priorities, if elected?

School Choice Right to Work Internet sales tax collection[3][4]

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

Watching tax dollars get spent wisely. Failure puts us in the endless downward spiral of the blue states. Convention of States will be voted per Article 5 US Constitution. 20 T say's its long overdue to take control. State University over site, costs are to high and diversity of thought on campus is lacking. My district holds NH's largest University providing locals both problems and benefits.Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; invalid names, e.g. too many[4]

[the profile publisher] also asked the candidate a series of optional questions. Mark Racic answered the following:

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

Martin Luther King, he was able to change minds without violence by making the case to our better angels. Thomas Jefferson for perhaps crafting the most inspiring document ever written in the English language. Marcus Luttrell for providing a no quit example under extreme circumstances.[4]

Is there a book, essay, film, or something else that best describes your political philosophy?

The 5000 Year Leap It should be required reading and the basis for a required High School level course. Our youth do not know who we are and why what we are is special. Our educators by design or incompetence are complicit in perpetuating this ignorance.[4]

What characteristics or principles are most important for an elected official?

In a legislator, seeking the facts for and against an issue, considering the impact on the people affected by proposed legislation and then having the ability to explain your decision honestly.[4]

What qualities do you possess that would make you a successful officeholder?

In business I conducted business in 9 Asian countries, 6 European countries and North America. Exposure to many cultures required me to listen, understand and form bonds to succeed. Legislators have variable agenda's building relationships on both sides needs to take place for progress and solutions to be found.[4]

What do you believe are the core responsibilities for someone elected to this office?

Keep Taxes low and the government on relevant tasks only. Make regulations when necessary to assure a level playing field and safety to the people. Hold all in government accountable for abuse of power or corruption.[4]

What legacy would you like to leave?

To be a good husband, dad, and known for integrity.[4]

What is the first historical event that happened in your lifetime that you remember? How old were you at that time?

JFK assassination at 11 yrs old.[4]

What was your very first job? How long did you have it?

Picking up trash at the drive in theater, mowing lawns and cleaning the snack shack. 2 yrs starting at 14 yrs old.[4]

What happened on your most awkward date?

Failure to make the kiss.[4]

What is your favorite holiday? Why?

Christmas, the extended family meal is mine to create.[4]

What is your favorite book? Why?

I try to read for pleasure and like series that provide an escape. Over the years Clancy and Jack Ryan, Coonts and Jake Grafton, Stephen Hunter and both Swagger's, and poor Vince Flynn, Mitch Rapp will never be the same. I also enjoyed the way James A. Michener told history. For a historical, a local small book called "Portsmouth Built" outlined the Portsmouth Navel Shipyard and tales of some of the subs built there. My family PNSY connection includes Grandfather, Uncle, Mother and Step Father and cousin in subs for the Navy.[4]

If you could be any fictional character, who would you be?

Mitch Rapp[4]

What is your favorite thing in your home or apartment? Why?

The Yard, currently a visiting spot for area wildlife including fish, foul, and mammals.[4]

What was the last song that got stuck in your head?

Garden of Eden, by John Cafferty[4]

What is something that has been a struggle in your life?

Struggles are just challenges of the moment that turn into experience or leave character marks.[4]

(For non-Nebraska candidates) What do you consider the most important differences between the legislative chambers in your state?

Numbers NH has 400 seats in the house the senate has 24.[4]

Do you believe that it’s beneficial for state legislators to have previous experience in government or politics?

yes, so long as they move along after a few terms.[4]

What do you perceive to be your state’s greatest challenges over the next decade?

Energy cost are high and reduce manufacturing competitiveness.[4]

What do you believe is the ideal relationship between the governor and the state legislature?

Solving problem of the people.[4]

Do you believe it’s beneficial to build relationships with other legislators? Please explain your answer.

yes, shared goals need to be developed into action and a majority to proceed.[4]

What process do you favor for redistricting?

Legislative[4]

If you are not a current legislator, are there certain committees that you would want to be a part of?

yes[4]

If you are a current legislator, what appealed to you about your current committees?

NA[4]

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?

not yet[4]

Is there a particular legislator, past or present, whom you want to model yourself after?

Gordon Humphrey[4]

Are you interested in running for a different political office in the future?

No[4]

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?

The fear of large project progress[4]