Issues

Illegal Immigration & Sanctuary Cities

Dick Thackston believes that the current influx of illegal immigrants crossing our borders is unacceptable. He firmly supports securing both our southern and northern borders to stop illegal crossings entirely. Dick emphasizes that ICE enforcement is crucial for identifying and deporting criminal and dangerous immigrants, (it’s why they even exist), and state policies must not hinder these efforts.

Dick strongly opposes sanctuary city policies, which he believes endanger our communities by preventing local officers from cooperating with ICE. He has never supported such policies. 

Abortion & Family Planning

Dick Thackston strongly supports the current New Hampshire law restricting late-term abortion after six months, which protects women’s health and has broad public support. Before 2021, NH had no such restrictions, unlike states like Massachusetts. Dick champions life, healthy mothers, and family protection. He, along with many New Hampshire families believes there should be increased focus on empowering women through comprehensive healthcare, education, support systems, and economic opportunities, including quality prenatal and postnatal care, childcare assistance, and flexible work arrangements.

Dick also advocates for education and career opportunities to ensure women never feel forced to choose between motherhood and a job. By addressing issues like financial instability and lack of support, we can create an environment where women feel confident in carrying their pregnancies to term. He appreciates the work of community family planning organizations in NH.

Drug Policy & The War on Drugs

Dick Thackston acknowledges the reality that the war on drugs has failed. More people are addicted now than ever before and prosecuting and jailing low-level drug users has not yielded sensible results. Dick advocates for prioritizing treatment and rehabilitation over incarceration, providing users with a pathway to recovery and reintegration into society primarily by expanding economic opportunity in New Hampshire so that a meaningful life and goals are a potential reality rather than an unending downward cycle of addiction and despair.

Dick views each vote on this issue through the lens of helping families who are losing loved ones to addiction and despair. Policy should focus on rehabilitation rather than punishment.

Dick is committed to supporting and empowering organizations that are successfully working on rehabilitation efforts. He believes in identifying effective strategies and enabling these groups to expand their positive impact within our communities.

Dick Thackston
NH State Rep
Cheshire District 12