CONCORD – State Sen. Denise Ricciardi (R-Bedford) was recently named Legislator of the Year for the second time in as many years.

The award, which was presented by the New England Water Works Association, recognized Ricciardi for her work to keep New Hampshire’s water supply clean.

Earlier this year, Ricciardi was the primary sponsor of SB 443, bipartisan legislation relative to wastewater engineering. It was signed into law by Gov. Kelly Ayotte on May 8.

“Every Granite Stater deserves access to safe, clean drinking water and appropriate waste and storm water treatment to protect the health of our families and communities. SB 443 was a bipartisan effort that not only protects our water supply and environment but also enhances affordable housing,” said Ricciardi. “I want to thank the bipartisan cosponsors of SB 443 which has also strengthened standards and oversight for wastewater treatment systems. I’m deeply honored to receive this recognition from the NEWWA and grateful for their continued commitment to protecting clean water for New Hampshire families.”

Originally from the Philadelphia suburbs, Ricciardi started working when she was 14 years old and went on to graduate from Sam Houston State University. After college, Ricciardi worked for a health insurance company that specialized in long-term care and Medicare supplement plans. From there, she went on to open her own insurance company in Nashua and partnered with the New Hampshire Association for the Blind and the American Red Cross, providing coverage for their members.

Ricciardi ultimately sold her company and moved to Bedford in 1997 to start a family with her husband Giorgio. The following year, Bedford’s Olde Towne Day was in danger of folding. Ricciardi responded by working with the Olde Town Day Committee and organized a fashion show, which brought in money for charity, attracted new vendors and saved the event.

Ricciardi got her start in politics in 2016 when she heard about Verizon’s plan to install a 190-foot cell phone tower behind Riddlebrook Elementary School. With assistance from other residents, she was able to get Verizon to withdraw its proposal. In recognition of her efforts, then-Gov. Chris Sununu appointed Ricciardi to serve on the state’s 5G Health Study Commission in 2019.

Also in 2019, Ricciardi was elected to the Bedford Town Council and served as vice chairwoman for three years. During her time on the council, the town maintained a AAA bond rating from Moody’s. She also served on the Conservation Commission, the Telecommunications Commission as well as the Highway and Safety Commission.

When the COVID-19 pandemic emerged in 2020, Ricciardi partnered with the Bedford Police Department to establish Bedford Cares, a group of volunteers who ran errands and delivered food to vulnerable residents who needed to stay home.

Also in 2020, Ricciardi challenged incumbent State Sen. Jeanne Dietsch for her seat representing the 13 communities in District 9. Ricciardi went on to win that year’s general election by 409 votes. Ricciardi is now in her third term and was elected as the deputy majority leader for the 2025 session. In addition, she is chairwoman of the Transportation Committee and vice chairwoman of the Commerce Committee.

Ricciardi was also named Legislator of the Year in 2024 by the New Hampshire Retail Association. Her other accolades include being named Water Policy Champion of 2024 by the New Hampshire Water Pollution Control Association as well as the Granite State Rural Water Association Advocacy Award and the Legislative Champion Award from the New Hampshire Food Access Coalition.

Looking ahead, Ricciardi will face Democrat Matthew McLaughlin in the general election on Nov. 3. This will be her third time running against McLaughlin, having defeated him in the 2022 and 2024 elections by an average of 1,100 votes.