Thomas Oppel
American politician
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Thomas Patrick Oppel[1] (born December 1953) is an American politician, consultant, and former journalist. He is currently a member of the New Hampshire House of Representatives from the Grafton 9th district representing Canaan, Dorchester, and Orange. A resident of Canaan, New Hampshire, since 2000,[2] Oppel is the secretary of the Canaan Planning Board,[3] of which he has been a member since 2021,[4] and was previously a board member from 2005 to 2007. He is also the chair of the Canaan Economic Development Committee.[2][5]
Thomas Oppel | |
|---|---|
| Member of the New Hampshire House of Representatives from the Grafton 9th district | |
| Assumed office December 4, 2024 | |
| Preceded by | Corinne Morse |
| Personal details | |
| Born | Thomas Patrick Oppel December 1953 (age 72) |
| Party | Democratic |
| Spouse | Myra J. Humphries |
| Children | 3 |
| Alma mater | Seton Hall University Dartmouth College |
| Profession |
|
Biography
Oppel received a bachelor's degree in English literature from Seton Hall University with a minor in psychology and a teaching certificate in secondary education. He later attended Dartmouth College. Oppel began his career as a political journalist for United Press International and several newspapers in New England and the South.[6] He was also an English teacher in Hudson, New Hampshire.[7] He was the press secretary for Mike Espy's successful congressional campaign. Before founding his own communications firm in 2003, Oppel was a partner in a Washington-based media consulting firm. Oppel was the chief of staff to the United States Secretary of the Navy, Ray Mabus, during President Barack Obama's administration.[6] Oppel defeated Kevin Howard in the 2024 New Hampshire House of Representatives election for the Grafton 9th district.[8]
Political positions
Oppel is opposed to the establishment of a state income tax and sales tax.[9]
Electoral history
| Party | Candidate | Votes | % | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Democratic | Thomas Oppel | 1,305 | 51.4 | |
| Republican | Kevin Howard | 1,233 | 48.6 | |
| Total votes | 2,538 | 100 | ||