Valerie McDonnell

The Honorable
Valerie McDonnell
Member of the New Hampshire House of Representatives
from the Rockingham 25th district
Incumbent
Assumed office
December 7, 2022
Personal details
Born (2004-05-25) May 25, 2004
Salem, New Hampshire, U.S.
Political partyRepublican
Residence(s)Salem, New Hampshire, U.S.
EducationSalem High School
Alma materSouthern New Hampshire University
WebsiteOfficial website

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]

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[8] and the second-youngest elected state legislator in American history.[9] In her first term, McDonnell was a recipient of the Congressman John Lewis Youth Leadership Award from the National Association of Secretaries of State.[10][11][12]

In 2024, McDonnell was re-elected.[13] She sponsored SB 295 (2025) which expanded eligibility for K-12 school choice universally in New Hampshire.[14][15] 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.[16] Supporters expressed praise for the law change, claiming New Hampshire’s school choice model should be emulated by states nationwide. [17][18][19]

McDonnell was named to President Donald J. Trump's New Hampshire Leadership Team for the 2024 Presidential Election. [20][21]

See also

References

  1. ^ "Representative Valerie McDonnell (R)". New Hampshire General Court. Retrieved 2024-07-13.
  2. ^ "Valerie McDonnell". Ballotpedia. Archived from the original on 2022-12-19. Retrieved 2022-12-19.
  3. ^ "Salem Teen Honored for Work as State Legislator". Eagle Tribune. Retrieved 2024-02-08.
  4. ^ "McDonnell For Salem". McDonnell For Salem. Archived from the original on 2022-12-19. Retrieved 2022-12-19.
  5. ^ "Salem School District Media". Salem School District Media. Archived from the original on 2023-04-29. Retrieved 2023-04-29.
  6. ^ a b "Valerie McDonnell - profile overview". Citizens Count. Archived from the original on 2022-12-19. Retrieved 2022-12-19.
  7. ^ "46 youth win American Legion department oratorical contest for national scholarship". legionnh.org. Retrieved 2022-12-19.
  8. ^ "Representative Valerie McDonnell (R)". New Hampshire General Court. Retrieved 2024-07-13.
  9. ^ Mitropoulos, Arielle (2022-11-11). "Representatives from both ends of age spectrum elected to New Hampshire House". WMUR. Archived from the original on 2023-01-13. Retrieved 2023-01-13.
  10. ^ "Youthful Lawmakers Win Leadership Award". Retrieved February 3, 2024.
  11. ^ "Salem Teen Honored for Work as State Legislator". Eagle Tribune. Retrieved 2024-02-08.
  12. ^ "The State We're In Granite State News Collaborative". NHPBS. Retrieved 2024-02-23.
  13. ^ "Valerie McDonnell". Ballotpedia. Retrieved 2025-07-13.
  14. ^ "ALEC Policy Champions expand Education Freedom in the Granite State". ALEC. Retrieved 2025-07-13.
  15. ^ "Young Salem Rep Plays Key Role in Education Bill". Eagle Tribune. Retrieved 2025-07-13.
  16. ^ "Ayotte's Signature makes New Hampshire offer universal school choice". NH Journal. Retrieved 2025-07-13.
  17. ^ "Why New Hampshire is 2025's School Choice Model". National Review. Retrieved 2025-07-13.
  18. ^ "Live Free or Die State Becomes First Universal School Choice State in the Northeast". Discovery Institute. Retrieved 2025-06-12.
  19. ^ "Live Free or Die State Becomes First Universal School Choice State in the Northeast". The Daily Wire. Retrieved 2025-06-11.
  20. ^ "Donald J. Trump Announces New Hampshire Elected Leadership Team". Retrieved July 13, 2025.
  21. ^ "President Donald J. Trump Announces New Hampshire Elected Leadership Team". Retrieved July 13, 2025.
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