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Maria Perez (New Hampshire politician)

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Maria Perez
Member of the New Hampshire House of Representatives
Incumbent
Assumed office
December 2022
ConstituencyHillsborough 43
Personal details
BornEl Salvador
Political partyIndependent (Since 2023)
Other political
affiliations		Democratic (Before 2023)
Children2
EducationNashua Community College
Nashua Adult Learning

Maria Perez is an El-Salvadoran born American politician who served as a member of the New Hampshire House of Representatives, representing the 43rd district which includes part of Hillsborough County[1] First elected as a Democrat in 2020, Perez left the party to sit as an Independent in 2023, citing a lack of progress on issues and "feeling unwelcome in the party".[2][3] Her party switch was met with mostly negative reactions from the Democratic Caucus, who cited the decision as "disappointing".[4]

She endorsed Marianne Williamson for President in 2024.[5]

Early life and career

[edit]

Perez was born in El Salvador on her grandparents' farm, where she had a total of 8 brothers and sisters. Throughout her childhood, she was sexually abused by her father and at the age of 16, was sold off into an arranged marriage in the United States. On her way to the United States, she was raped by two Mexican border agents, the marriage itself would last 11 years and gave her two children.[6]

At the age of 40, she graduated from Nashua Adult Learning and Nashua Community College. She also remarried to a new husband.[6] Before entering politics, she worked for Alene Candles, the Ford Motor Company, and Campers Inn RV. In addition, Perez also served as a Regional Director for Amy Klobuchar's 2020 presidential campaign.[1]

Tenure

[edit]

While in the State House, Perez has focused on restoring abortion access in New Hampshire, the environment, and education.[7] She is seated on the House Children and Family Law Committee.[8]

In 2021, Perez was accused of Antisemitism due to tweeting “From the river to the sea, Palestine will be free!” and statements that Israel was an apartheid state.[9] The tweets were then deleted.[9] She received criticisms from local Jewish communities and issued an apology for her initial tweet, however did not address her claims about Israel.[10] She was then removed from the New Hampshire House Progressive Caucus's leadership.[11]

In January 2024, she was removed from the Hillsborough County Delegation Executive Committee due to not being a member of a political party.[3]

Personal life

[edit]

Perez moved to New Hampshire from El Salvador and obtained citizenship in 2007.[12] She is also the vice-chairwoman of the National Human Rights Committee.[6]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ a b "Maria Perez (New Hampshire)". Ballotpedia. Retrieved 2023-11-25.
  2. ^ Kisluk, Jessica (2023-10-03). "State Rep. Maria Perez leaves Democratic Party, will serve remainder of term as 'undeclared'". WMUR. Retrieved 2023-11-25.
  3. ^ a b "State Rep denied re-entry to executive committee due to political party change | Manchester Ink Link". 2024-01-04. Retrieved 2024-02-26.
  4. ^ "Rep. Maria Perez: "my voice doesn't really matter"". 2023-10-04. Retrieved 2024-02-26.
  5. ^ Goke, Amanda (October 3, 2023). "Why Maria Perez was the latest N.H. lawmaker to leave the Democratic party - The Boston Globe". BostonGlobe.com. Retrieved 2023-11-27.
  6. ^ a b c Staton, Jamie (2022-09-23). "NH state representative, one of 3 Latino House members, shares story of struggles". WMUR. Retrieved 2023-11-25.
  7. ^ "Maria Perez". New Hampshire House Democrats. Retrieved 2024-02-26.
  8. ^ Landrigan, Kevin (2023-10-03). "Third NH House member leaves party, becomes independent". UnionLeader.com. Retrieved 2024-02-26.
  9. ^ a b Graham, Michael (2021-10-29). "NHDem Rep's Call for End of Israel Highlights Party's Anti-Semitism Problem". NH Journal. Retrieved 2024-02-26.
  10. ^ Graham, Michael (2021-11-01). "Perez Apologizes for 'River to the Sea' Post, Silent On Israel an 'Apartheid State' Claim". NH Journal. Retrieved 2024-02-26.
  11. ^ Graham, Michael (2021-11-12). "NH House Progressive Caucus Boots Perez From Leadership Over 'Antisemitic' Post". NH Journal. Retrieved 2024-02-26.
  12. ^ "Meet New N.H. Lawmakers: Rep. Maria Perez From Milford". New Hampshire Public Radio. 2020-11-18. Retrieved 2023-11-25.


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