We are delighted this week to highlight a true leader in our State – Representative Laura Pantelakos.

First elected in 1978 (that’s not a typo), Rep. Laura Pantelakos has diligently served her constituents from Portsmouth for over 44 years as a State Representative. This makes her the ‘Dean of the New Hampshire House’ - being the longest currently serving member. Over the years Laura has worked diligently and tirelessly to get things done and is famous for being able to build bridges between parties and is widely respected for always putting people before politics.

Laura may well be the perfect embodiment of what it means to be a State Representative in New Hampshire. She has worked as a waitress, and she has 8 children, 17 grandchildren, and 12 great grandchildren. This has undoubtedly guided her thinking and given her deep insight into what it means to vote for the future. She holds herself accountable to the people she represents and over the last 20 years has raised a grand total of $0.00 (that’s not a typo either!) for her election campaigns, while still easily defeating challenges in primaries and general elections.

Sadly, this was Laura’s last term as a State Representative. It is a true loss for the House as it is losing one of its most effective and humble members. To celebrate her legacy in the House, the Speaker invited Laura to the Speaker’s podium to preside over the House for a few bills, a recognition of her service to the people of New Hampshire and most importantly the trust that she would always act in a way that would be best for NH and all our people!

I want to wish Laura well in her retirement from political life, and I hope she gets to spend even more time with her very large and loving family! Laura, we thank you for your many wonderful years of service!