Background
Stephanie Grund graduated from Solon High School. She attended Ohio Northern University. She earned a bachelor's degree from Case Western Reserve University in 1992. Her career experience includes working as an accountant.[1]
- Bachelor's:
- Case Western Reserve University, 1992
- High school:
- Solon High School
Campaign themes
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Who are you? Tell us about yourself.
My husband and I moved to Amherst in 2004 looking for a town with a good education and activities for families. We raised our two children in Amherst and they both graduated from Souhegan Cooperative High School. I have volunteered in town through Amherst Junior Women's Club running various fundraisers and activities as well as being a past President of the organization. I was a Girl Scout Leader for two troops for over twelve years as well as being the Finance Coordinator for the town wide Girl Scout program. I have volunteered for the Amherst Ways & Means Committee and worked with the Town to understand the history of Cemetery Fields many years ago. I also volunteered with the PTSA coordinating teacher lunches and giving grants to teachers to support their programs and giving scholarships to graduating Seniors. Most recently, I am Chair of the Souhegan Cooperative School Board working on providing a strong education for all students, our high achievers, as well as students interested in CTE programs and the military, and ensuring that there are different pathways for education.
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 want to represent the people of Amherst because we believe in a strong education and learning pathways. Education in New Hampshire is actually very strong compared to many states. We are one of the top five states in the country leading in education. We need to ensure students have access to a strong public school program and work on funding concerns.We need to work together to provide long term solutions for job and housing. Encouraging business to come to and stay in New Hampshire is critical to keeping families here in our State. However, this also requires affordable housing. With the median home price reaching $500,000, young families find it difficult to afford a home in New Hampshire.We also need to work together to find solutions to protect our environment. We need to provide long term solutions for energy which might include a balance of solar, wind, and other alternative energies. Creative solutions and a balanced approach can innovate solutions for the future. Clean water, preserve public lands.
What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?
Education, environment, and mental health are areas that are important to me. I have been involved in education for many years and have seen policies strengthen or weaken the education system. We need to continue rigorous education and find funding mechanisms to take the burden off of taxpayers.
I have enjoyed hiking the White Mountains and swimming in our local lakes. Keeping our water and air clean is extremely important for our state as we encourage families to move here and vacationers to enjoy all we have to offer.
Finally, mental health needs support in our state. We need to encourage more practitioners to come to New Hampshire and support our families. There are many children, adolescents, and adults who need support.
What characteristics or principles are most important for an elected official?
An elected official represents their constituents. This person needs to be honest and clear in his or her messaging. One of the reasons I am running for office is because I believe I can bring a calm and professional atmosphere to discussions. The art of negotiating has been diminished the past few years for extreme messaging. I believe learning to compromise without giving up your beliefs is necessary for being a strong elected official. Also, listening is necessary skill that is important to understand what your constituents want you to represent.
Also, elected officials should adhere to ethical and legal standards which include avoiding conflicts of interest, not disclosing confidential information, and ensuring no special privileges or gifts are received in connection with their public service.
What do you believe are the core responsibilities for someone elected to this office?
Some general responsibilities of a State Representative include policy making and legislation, budgetary oversight, civic engagement, and public representation. These encompass the range of duties aimed at serving our community effectively.
Policy making includes crafting policy and participating in the legislative process to enact laws. Budgetary oversight includes understanding revenue sources and potential impacts of policy to minimize impacts to taxpayers. Civic engagement is about setting the tone by demonstrating respectful discourse, fostering collaboration, and focusing on the common good. Public representation means engaging with the community and advocating for the town's interests.
What legacy would you like to leave?
What legacy I would like to leave is based on the Girl Scout Motto - "To make the world a better place". I have strived to participate in my community with groups that want to learn and help those around them. Volunteering with Girl Scouts, I worked with multiple troops to always try something new and expand their knowledge. Participating in Amherst Junior Women's Club, I volunteered to better the community and organization in our area. As a member of our school board, I strive to ensure a rigorous education is provided while providing an environment that encourages students to explore.
What do you believe is the ideal relationship between the governor and state legislature?
The ideal relationship is characterized by collaboration, mutual respect, and effective communication. Governors need to work hard to build relationships and broker consensus in the times of divided government. This involves communication which outlines legislative priorities. As State Representatives represent their specific districts, there is a variety of perspectives on what is best for the state versus what is best for individual districts. Effective Governors work together with Representatives to create state-wide initiatives that can also benefit their districts. It is a collaborative approach the requires mutual respect for each other.
What do you perceive to be your state's greatest challenges over the next decade?
We need to work together to provide long term solutions for job and housing. Encouraging business to come to and stay in New Hampshire is critical to keeping families here in our State. However, this also requires affordable housing. With the median home price reaching $500,000, young families find it difficult to afford a home in New Hampshire.
We need to work on the balances of taxes that have been pushed down to our local towns. Education and pension costs have not been funded by the state adequately for many years. We need to work on funding solutions for these areas.
Do you believe that it’s beneficial for state legislators to have previous experience in government or politics?
I believe it helps if the state legislators have been active in their districts they represent. It doesn't have to be in government or politics, but to be aware of your district's concerns and issue to represent them fairly is important. A person running for State Legislator has to be willing to put the time in to learn how the process works.
Do you believe it’s beneficial to build relationships with other legislators? Please explain your answer.
Yes. In order for the state legislator to function, we have to be able to communicate and compromise. Communicating with both sides of the aisle by balancing interests and building consensus creates an environment for effective laws to be passed that benefit our districts.
Are you interested in running for a different political office (for example, the U.S. Congress or governor) in the future?
No.
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?
I have heard about some mental health concerns in my district. The need for more providers is extremely important to families. Families are having to receive care in other states and sometimes travel and stay in hotels in order to receive the care their loved one needs. Families are separated by states for their child to receive the in-patient care needed. This is heart-breaking when you cannot see your child because we do not have the care available in our own state.
Should the legislature oversee or grant the use of emergency powers?
The use of emergency powers should be limited to specific conditions that include a situation that poses a significant threat to public safety, health, or welfare. Legislative oversight should ensure that the use of emergency powers is appropriate and limited in scope and duration.
What committees interest you?
Environment and Agriculture Committee
Finance Committee
Health, Human Services and Elderly Affairs Committee
Education Committee
What are your views on financial transparency and government accountability?
Elected officials have a responsibility to be transparent and accountable. Having worked on Souhegan Cooperative School Board for the past four years, we have open meetings to review all budgets and discuss financial transactions. There is opportunity for the community to participate in the process and bring forward their questions to receive answers.
Elected officials are held accountable through elections. Also, during the time they are in office, they should be meeting with the community to ensure they are engaged and advocating for their town.
On the 2026 ballot
Links
Compiled from the candidate’s published profile as of October 6, 2026.
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