Republican State Senator Nancy Stiles of Hampton says she won't seek another term in the fall.
In her 12 years in office, the Hampton Republican and former school nutrition director often focused on health and education matters.
Recently, she's pushed for more anti-drug education in New Hampshire schools, to lift the cap on state funding for public schools, and changing the way the state distributes rooms and meals revenues to better benefit tourist towns like Hampton.
"I think I finally brought it to the point where many of the current senators realize that we really do need to take a hard look at how that's distributed," she said.
Stiles says she's leaving the statehouse largely because of family commitments.
The Portsmouth Herald reports several candidates are already running for the seat, including Republican Dan Innis of New Castle and Democratic state representative Tom Sherman of Rye.
The Hampton Republican is the eighth sitting Senator not to seek another term. Of the departing state senators, five are retiring: Stiles, Republican Sam Cataldo of Farmington, Republican David Boutin of Hooksett, Democrat Molly Kelly of Keene and Democrat David Pierce of Lebanon.
Three senators are moving to, or hoping to move to, other jobs. Jerry Little of Weare leaves the Senate next month to serve as state Banking Commissioner. Republican Jeanie Forrester of Meredith is running for governor, while Republican Russell Prescott of Kingston is making a bid for Executive Council.
Turnover in the Senate isn't uncommon. Eight members chose to leave in 2012, while four retired in 2014.
