Valerie McDonnell
American politician
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Valerie McDonnell (born May 25, 2004) is an American politician serving as a member of the New Hampshire House of Representatives for Rockingham County's 25th District.[1] Elected in November 2022, she assumed office on December 7, 2022.[2]
Valerie McDonnell | |
|---|---|
| |
| Member of the New Hampshire House of Representatives from the Rockingham 25th district | |
| Assumed office December 7, 2022 | |
| Personal details | |
| Born | May 25, 2004 |
| Party | Republican |
| Education | Salem High School and Southern New Hampshire University (BA) |
| Website | Official website |
Early life and education
Valerie McDonnell was born to parents Brian McDonnell and Pauline McDonnell in 2004.[3] She is a native of Salem, New Hampshire.[4]
McDonnell graduated from Salem High School in 2022 and Southern New Hampshire University in 2024, earning a Bachelor's of Arts Degree in Political Science.[5][6] In 2021 and 2022, McDonnell was both the New Hampshire State Champion and a National Finalist in the American Legion Oratorical Contest.[6][7]
Career
In 2022, Valerie McDonnell was first elected to represent Rockingham's 25th District of the New Hampshire House of Representatives, becoming the youngest elected legislator in the state’s history[1] and the second-youngest elected state legislator in American history.[8] In her first term, McDonnell was a recipient of the Congressman John Lewis Youth Leadership Award from the National Association of Secretaries of State.[9][3][10]
In 2024, McDonnell was re-elected.[11] She sponsored SB 295 (2025) which expanded eligibility for K-12 school choice universally in New Hampshire.[12][13] The Education Freedom Account (EFA) Program was the subject of much controversy, but received glowing support from Governor Kelly Ayotte who signed SB 295 into law on June 10, 2025.[14] Supporters expressed praise for the law change, claiming New Hampshire’s school choice model should be emulated by states nationwide.[15][16][17]
McDonnell was named to President Donald Trump's New Hampshire Leadership Team for the 2024 presidential election.[18][19]
