Kenda Challenges Stiles for Senate

Businessman Steve Kenda officially announced May 5 that he is running against Sen. Nancy Stiles for the Republican nomination for District 24.

"I respect Senator Stiles and her service in Concord," Kenda said in a press release, "but I believe it’s time for a renewed sense of focus in this senate seat—a real understanding that you build a better future for New Hampshire by attracting great businesses to the state and making it easy for them to create jobs.

"You’ve got to put fuel in the economic engine; good jobs, low taxes, no-nonsense regulations. It’s the New Hampshire way—I just want to bring it back."

Kenda and his wife, Sarah, live in North Hampton with their 2-year-old son, Eddie. For 22 years, he ran KENDA Systems, a software consulting firm that grew to 150 employees in 15 offices across nine time zones.

"I’ve been very fortunate in my life," said Kenda. "I’ve worked hard, and I’ve been rewarded. Now I want to give back, and ensure that the path to prosperity is still there for the next generation. We can get this right in New Hampshire; we just need to elect experienced leaders who can get this job done."

Kenda says he will make his first campaign appearances on May 9 at the Seacoast Republican Women’s Annual Spring Luncheon and the Rockingham County GOP Freedom Founders Dinner.

Stiles, of Hampton, is in her second term in the state Senate, after serving three terms in the House of Representatives.