Margaret Wood Hassan: United States Senator Representing New Hampshire

Margaret “Maggie” Wood Hassan has dedicated her career to public service, advocating for policies that enhance the well-being of her constituents in New Hampshire. Her journey from legal counsel to state senator, governor, and ultimately U.S. Senator exemplifies her commitment to addressing the needs of her community.

Early Life and Education

Born on February 27, 1958, in Boston, Massachusetts, Margaret Coldwell Wood was raised in a family deeply engaged in public service. Her father, Robert Coldwell Wood, was a political scientist who served as the U.S. Secretary of Housing and Urban Development under President Lyndon B. Johnson. Growing up in such an environment instilled in Maggie a profound understanding of governance and public policy.

Maggie attended Brown University, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in history in 1980. During her time at Brown, she met Thomas Hassan, whom she married in 1983. Pursuing her interest in law and justice, she enrolled at the Northeastern University School of Law, obtaining her Juris Doctor in 1985.​

Early Career

Following her graduation from law school, Hassan began her legal career at the Boston law firm Palmer & Dodge, where she worked from 1985 to 1992. She then served as associate general counsel for Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston, focusing on health care law. In 1999, her dedication to public service led her to be appointed as a citizen advisor to the New Hampshire Advisory Committee to the Adequacy in Education and Finance Commission. This role marked her initial foray into public policy within New Hampshire.​

New Hampshire State Senate (2004–2010)

Hassan’s political career commenced in earnest when she was elected to the New Hampshire State Senate in 2004, representing the 23rd District, which encompassed several Seacoast towns. During her tenure, she was re-elected twice and held significant leadership positions, including serving as the majority leader from 2008 to 2010. As majority leader, Hassan played a pivotal role in advancing key legislative initiatives, particularly in the areas of education funding and health care reform.​

Governorship (2013–2017)

In 2012, Hassan was elected as the 81st governor of New Hampshire, becoming the second woman to hold the position in the state’s history. Her administration focused on several critical areas:​Wikipedia

• Economic Development: Hassan worked to foster a business-friendly environment, advocating for policies that supported innovation and job creation.​

• Education: She prioritized increasing funding for public education and expanding access to higher education opportunities.​

• Health Care: Hassan played a crucial role in the bipartisan effort to expand Medicaid in New Hampshire, providing thousands of residents with access to health insurance.​

Her leadership during crises, such as natural disasters and public health emergencies, was marked by a pragmatic and compassionate approach, earning her respect across the political spectrum.​

U.S. Senate Career (2017–Present)

In 2016, Hassan challenged incumbent Senator Kelly Ayotte for a seat in the U.S. Senate. The race was one of the most closely watched and competitive in the nation, with Hassan narrowly securing victory by a margin of approximately 1,000 votes. She was re-elected in 2022, defeating Republican nominee Don Bolduc.​

As a U.S. Senator, Hassan has continued to focus on issues pertinent to both New Hampshire and the nation.​

Legislative Priorities

Health Care: Senator Hassan remains a staunch advocate for accessible and affordable health care. She has worked to protect and improve the Affordable Care Act, address the opioid crisis, and expand mental health services.​

Education: Building on her gubernatorial efforts, Hassan supports policies that make higher education more affordable and accessible, including advocating for increased funding for Pell Grants and reducing student loan debt.​

National Security: Serving on the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, Hassan emphasizes the importance of cybersecurity and has introduced legislation aimed at strengthening the nation’s defenses against cyber threats.​

Veterans Affairs: She is committed to ensuring that veterans receive the benefits and support they have earned, advocating for improved health care services and job training programs for former service members.​

Economic Growth: Hassan supports initiatives that promote small business development, invest in infrastructure, and foster innovation to drive economic growth.​

Committee Assignments

Senator Hassan’s committee assignments reflect her diverse policy interests and commitment to addressing a wide range of issues:​

• Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs: Focuses on national security, government efficiency, and the prevention of terrorist attacks.​

• Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP): Addresses issues related to health care, education, employment, and retirement policies.​

• Committee on Finance: Oversees matters related to taxation, revenue, and other financial issues critical to the nation’s economy.​

• Joint Economic Committee: A bicameral committee that examines economic conditions and recommends improvements in economic policy.​

Personal Life

Maggie Hassan’s personal life has deeply shaped her approach to public service. She and her husband, Thomas Hassan, married in 1983 and have two children. Their son, Ben, has cerebral palsy, and his experience navigating a world that often fails to accommodate people with disabilities has been central to Senator Hassan’s understanding of inclusion, accessibility, and compassion in policymaking.

Raising a child with a disability in New Hampshire helped Hassan connect with other families facing similar challenges, reinforcing her commitment to health care access, education equality, and disability rights. She has frequently cited these experiences as motivations behind her political work, particularly in advocating for Medicaid expansion and educational support services.

The Hassan family lives in Newfields, New Hampshire, and maintain active involvement in community service. Thomas Hassan is an educator who previously served as the principal of Phillips Exeter Academy and president of School Year Abroad. Their daughter, Meg, has also been publicly supportive of her mother’s political work, and the family maintains a strong presence in New Hampshire’s civic life.

Outside of her Senate duties, Senator Hassan is known to enjoy hiking, reading, and spending time with her family. She frequently travels throughout her home state to meet with constituents, attend local events, and hear directly from the people she represents. Her down-to-earth personality and accessibility have made her a respected and familiar presence in communities across New Hampshire.

Final Summary

Senator Margaret Wood Hassan’s career exemplifies a lifelong dedication to public service, bipartisanship, and advocacy for vulnerable communities. From her early legal career to serving as Governor of New Hampshire and ultimately as a U.S. Senator, Hassan has consistently focused on expanding access to education, improving health care, strengthening national security, and creating economic opportunities for all Americans.

Her leadership style is rooted in pragmatism, compassion, and the conviction that government can be a force for good when guided by integrity and informed by lived experience.

References

Ballotpedia. (n.d.). Maggie Hassan. https://ballotpedia.org/Maggie_Hassan

Biographical Directory of the United States Congress. (n.d.). Hassan, Margaret Wood.  https://bioguide.congress.gov/search/bio/H001079

Congress.gov. (n.d.). Legislation sponsored or cosponsored by Maggie Hassan.  https://www.congress.gov/member/maggie-hassan/H001079

National Governors Association. (n.d.). Gov. Margaret Wood Hassan. https://www.nga.org/governor/margaret-wood-hassan/

U.S. Senate. (n.d.). Senator Maggie Hassan of New Hampshire.  https://www.hassan.senate.gov

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