OPINION: Rep. Perez Owes Londonderry Straight Answers

Brent Tweed, Executive Director of Citizens Alliance of New Hampshire, argues that Rep. Kristine Perez owes Londonderry voters greater transparency about her political associations, legislative positions, and criticism of fellow Republicans.

Republicans do not have to agree on every bill. But there is a difference between independent judgment and using sweeping labels to discredit your colleagues.

Rep. Kristine Perez’s public messaging deserves scrutiny, not because she dissents, but because voters deserve to know what she supports, what she opposes, and why.

In August, Perez declared herself “very PROUD” not to have endorsements from Liberty Alliance or Americans for Prosperity. She described both as “directly associated with the Free State Project” and named Ron Dunn, Jeff McGraw, and House Speaker Sherman Packard in connection with their support or commitments. Those were her characterizations, not a substitute for examining anyone’s actual record.

Her promotion of Granite State Matters deserves the same scrutiny.

Perez advertised an August 26 presentation by GSM board member Jeanne Dietsch as a “non-partisan informational presentation.” Londonderry Democrats advertised the same speaker, subject, date, and location as part of their monthly committee meeting, also featuring a Democratic congressional candidate.

A Republican can attend or promote a Democratic event. But voters should receive the full context when an event is presented as nonpartisan.

GSM’s own literature is unmistakably political. Its flyer describes “Free Staters and their Liberty Alliance legislators” as “masking as Republicans.” An accompanying list labels lawmakers (including Dunn and Senate President Sharon Carson) as having voted for the “Free State Agenda.” A voting score, however, does not establish membership in the Free State Project.

GSM also features Perez’s rejection of that agenda on its website. She should explain which of its arguments she endorses and where she draws the line.

There is a concrete policy dispute here. Perez acknowledged voting against HB 675, describing it as a school-budget spending cap she considered misleading and inappropriate for Londonderry. Voters deserve her complete explanation and an account of what she would support instead.

More recently, Windham Democrats shared a school-board discussion video and praised a Londonderry Republican’s opposition to putting “Question 2” on the ballot. Their caption attributed to her the belief that the question’s motive was “to break down our public schools.” That is their characterization, but their amplification of her position is documented.

Democratic praise alone does not prove coordination. Neither does it answer the underlying question: Why oppose placing that question before voters?

Public conduct matters, too. I have publicly raised allegations that Perez confronted a Republican videographer at Old Home Days, slapped him, and threatened consequences if the recording became public. Those are serious allegations. The original recording and the accounts of those involved should be examined, and Perez should have an opportunity to respond.

Fairness must run both ways. A photograph showing Perez and Chris Pappas signs on the same lawn does not establish her endorsement of Pappas. Her account described the resident as an independent friend who supports her. That explanation belongs in the discussion.

At Citizens Alliance of New Hampshire, we support pledge champions such as Ron Dunn. That support should rest on commitments and conduct—not immunity from criticism.

Our standard is accountability. Perez is entitled to challenge fellow Republicans. They are entitled to challenge her.

Voters deserve specific arguments, accurate descriptions, and direct answers—not insinuations about who secretly belongs to which movement.

Name the policy. Explain the vote. Defend the position.

Brent Tweed is the Executive Director for Citizens Alliance of New Hampshire. You can follow CANH for updates at @CANewHampshire on X. The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of this publication.