Michael Moody

Michael Moody earned a bachelor's degree from Dartmouth College in 1986 and a law degree from the University of Virginia in 1992. Moody's career experience includes working as an attorney.[1]

Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

Born and raised in New England, Michael is the son of a career Air Force pilot and a middle school teacher. He first moved to New Hampshire in 1982 to attend Dartmouth College. After graduation, he worked in finance before earning his law degree from the University of Virginia.

In 2001, after a decade of working at major law firms, Michael returned to New Hampshire to serve as Assistant General Counsel of The Timberland Company. For the past 14 years, he has been the principal of MJ Moody Legal Advisors, representing a range of local, national, and international companies.

Michael has lived in Rye for 25 years, where he and his wife, Taraneh Azar, MD, have raised their three children: Daria, Aidan, and Mitra.

A dedicated community leader, Michael has served on the Rye and SAU 50 School Boards and spent 6 years on the Board of Trustees of the Rye Public Library, including terms as Chair and Treasurer. He also served 6 years on the Board of Directors of the Chase Home for Children, serving most of that time as Board President. He recently joined the Board of the Seacoast Science Center.

An engaged Dartmouth alumnus, Michael has served as Class Treasurer, Reunion Chair, Executive Committee member and Trustee of Aquinas House. He is a communicant of St. Theresa Parish.

An avid—if not especially fast—runner, Michael has completed multiple marathons and long-distance relays. He also enjoys walking on Wallis Sands Beach with his wife and their dog, Tai.

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?

Our communities deserve steady, thoughtful leadership in Concord—leadership focused on real solutions, not partisan division. I’m running because I believe we can do better. As a moderate, I’m frustrated by the divisive politics that dominate today’s headlines. I will work across the aisle to deliver practical results that strengthen our towns and reflect our shared values. I also believe many decisions are best made locally. I will push back against unnecessary mandates from Concord and trust local voters to build and sustain our communities.I will oppose continued efforts by the state to shift costs onto towns, school districts, and counties. Nearly $3 billion has been downshifted over the past decade through reduced education aid, eliminated revenue sharing, and increased mandates. The result? Higher local property taxes. That’s not sustainable, and it’s not fair to homeowners.I strongly support our public schools and believe we must prepare our children for the future. That means ensuring accountability for taxpayer dollars and tightening eligibility requirements for the current school voucher program so that public funds are used responsibly and transparently.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

In addition to those referenced above, I am passionate about ensuring economic opportunity by supporting our small businesses, encouraging responsible growth, and maintaining strong fiscal discipline. I will stand up for our environment—protecting our drinking water, our coastline, and the natural beauty that defines the Seacoast. Preserving what makes this region special is not optional; it’s a responsibility.