Concord, NH: State Sen. Ruth Ward (R-Stoddard) announced her intention to retire from her Senate seat at the end of the session and not seek re-election in 2026.

“This is a very bittersweet moment. My 10 years spent in the New Hampshire Senate have been some of the most important of my life, but I also know that it is my time to step away and spend more time closer to home. My journey, which took a young medical technician student immigrating to the U.S. from Sweden, to serving on local boards in my hometown of Stoddard, and finally to the Senate, has been incredible and fulfilling. I cannot thank the voters of Senate District 8 enough for entrusting me to represent them in this prestigious institution.

“There are so many great moments and achievements that I will forever take pride in that I cannot begin to name them all. I certainly hope that I have left the State of New Hampshire a better place than when I entered office in 2017. 

“I am especially proud of the fact that during my tenure in office, the State has made tremendous progress in providing educational opportunities and choices that have never been available before to New Hampshire students. I spent my entire Senate career on the Education Committee and our focus on empowering parents with innovative programs, such the Education Freedom Account Program, are a legacy that I am proud to leave for future generations to build upon.

“I will miss the friendships and relationships that I have developed over the past decade in the Senate the most. When my beloved husband Fred passed away in January, I was very lucky to have my colleagues, the Senate staff and many other Statehouse regulars that have become a second family to me. They have supported and helped me since my very first day in the Senate and I know that they will remain friends long after I leave office.

“While my name will not be on the ballot this upcoming November, I plan to remain active and continue to fight for a better New Hampshire for all Granite Staters.”

Ward has represented NH Senate District 8 since first elected in 2016.