{{Short description|American politician (born 1979)}} {{Use mdy dates|date=August 2019}} {{Infobox officeholder |name = Dan Feltes |image = Dan Feltes NH (cropped).jpg |office = Majority Leader of the New Hampshire Senate |term_start = December 5, 2018 |term_end = December 2, 2020 |predecessor = Jeb Bradley |successor = Jeb Bradley |state_senate1 = New Hampshire |district1 = 15th |term_start1 = December 2014 |term_end1 = December 2, 2020 |predecessor1 = Sylvia Larsen |successor1 = Becky Whitley |birth_date = {{birth date and age|1979|3|23}} |birth_place = |death_date = |death_place = |party = Democratic |education = University of Northern Iowa (BA)<br />Georgetown University (MPP)<br />University of Iowa (JD) |website = [http://gencourt.state.nh.us/Senate/members/webpages/district15.aspx Government website] }} '''Dan Feltes''' (born March 23, 1979) is an American lawyer, a member of the Democratic Party, and represented the 15th district of the New Hampshire Senate from 2014 until 2020. At the age of 39, Feltes became the youngest Majority Leader in the history of the New Hampshire Senate.<ref name="nhlabornews.com">{{Cite web|title=Sen Soucy Elected Senate President And Sen Feltes Becomes Youngest Majority Leader In NH Senate|url=https://nhlabornews.com/2018/11/sen-soucy-elected-9senate-president-and-sen-feltes-becomes-youngest-majority-leader-in-nh-senate/|archive-url=|archive-date=|access-date=|website=}}</ref> Feltes was characterized by Steve Shurtleff, the former Speaker of the New Hampshire House, as the most effective consensus builder at the State House in two decades.<ref name="auto">{{Cite web|url=https://www.concordmonitor.com/Feltes-for-governor-35924413|title=Letter: Feltes is an effective consensus builder|website=Concordmonitor.com|date=August 29, 2020|access-date=October 25, 2021}}</ref> He was the Democratic nominee for governor in 2020. He now teaches at Iowa Law school and is a practicing attorney at Iowa Legal Aid.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://law.uiowa.edu/people/daniel-feltes|title=Daniel Feltes | College of Law - The University of Iowa|website=law.uiowa.edu|accessdate=April 29, 2023}}</ref>
== Early life and career == Feltes grew up in Dubuque, Iowa. He earned his undergraduate degree from the University of Northern Iowa, a J.D. degree from the University of Iowa College of Law and a Master of Public Policy degree from Georgetown University.<ref name="danfeltesnh1">{{cite web|url=http://danfeltesnh.com/ |title=Dan Feltes for NH State Senate |publisher=Danfeltesnh.com |date= |access-date=August 5, 2019}}</ref> Dan grew up in a working-class family, with his father working in a furniture factory for his entire adult life and his mother working part-time jobs while raising four children.<ref name="danfeltesnh1"/> While in law school at The University of Iowa, Feltes led a service trip of 45 Iowa law students to New Orleans following Hurricane Katrina to help victims with legal services.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://badgerherald.com/news/2006/03/09/law-students-to-aid/|title=Law students to aid Katrina victims|date=March 9, 2006 }}</ref>
Feltes then worked as a legal aid attorney for almost a decade in New Hampshire.<ref name="concordmonitor1">{{cite news|url=http://www.concordmonitor.com/home/12519629-95/concord-attorney-dan-feltes-releases-list-of-supporters-for-his-state-senate-bid|title=Concord attorney Dan Feltes releases list of supporters for his state Senate bid|first=Megan|last=Doyle|work=Concord Monitor|date=June 26, 2014|access-date=August 5, 2019}}</ref> For four years he led the Housing Justice Project, overseeing the staff, grants, and legal work on housing access issues, including fighting housing discrimination and stopping foreclosures by big banks.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://plymouthareademocrats.org/feltes/|title=For Immediate Release June 2017|date=June 13, 2017}}</ref> Feltes twice co-authored the statewide analysis of impediments to fair housing choice.<ref>[https://www.nhhfa.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/Analysis_Impediments_FHC.pdf 2015 Analysis of Impediments to Fair Housing Choice] nhhfa.org June 2019</ref><ref>[http://www.cnht.org/news/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/11_AI2010_HL.pdf Analysis of Impediments to Fair Housing Choice in New Hampshire] cnht.org 2012</ref> As a legal aid attorney, Feltes worked with then State Senator Maggie Hassan to expand unemployment insurance to part-time workers, which eventually became a lifeline to workers in the Market Basket labor dispute.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.concordmonitor.com/Archive/2014/08/myturnshumaker-cmforum-081614|title=Like many, I was surprised by Sen. Sylvia Larsen's retirement and immediately curious to learn more about the two Democrats|website=Concordmonitor.com|access-date=October 25, 2021}}</ref>
Feltes has also taught law at the UNH Franklin Pierce School of Law.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.einnews.com/pr_news/552818082/franklin-pierce-school-of-law-appoints-new-faculty-with-record-of-excellence|title=Franklin Pierce School of Law Appoints New Faculty with Record of Excellence|first1=E. I. N.|last1=News|first2=Lauren K.|last2=Terry|date=October 1, 2021|website=EIN News|accessdate=April 29, 2023}}</ref> In 2013, Feltes received the Robert E. Kirby Award of the New Hampshire Bar Association, awarded annually to a New Hampshire attorney 35 years old or younger who demonstrates the traits of civility, courtesy, perspective, and excellent advocacy<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.nhbarfoundation.org/Robert_E_Kirby_Award.php |title=New Hampshire Bar Foundation - Robert E Kirby Award |publisher=Nhbarfoundation.org |date= |access-date=August 5, 2019 |archive-date=October 19, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181019041255/http://www.nhbarfoundation.org/Robert_E_Kirby_Award.php |url-status=dead }}</ref>
== New Hampshire Senate == {{Multiple issues|section=yes| {{Very long section|date=October 2021}} }} In 2014, Feltes ran for the state senate seat being vacated by Sylvia Larsen, and won.<ref>{{cite news|last=Doyle|first=Megan|date=November 5, 2014|title=Feltes easily wins N.H. Senate District 15 seat|work=Concord Monitor|url=https://www.concordmonitor.com/Archive/2014/11/ElexNHSenate-cm-110514|url-status=live|access-date=August 5, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141216105917/http://www.concordmonitor.com/news/localstate/14195161-95/feltes-easily-wins-nh-senate-district-15-seat|archive-date=December 16, 2014}}</ref> Larsen backed Feltes's opponent in the Democratic primary, while other local Democratic leaders backed Feltes.<ref name="concordmonitor1"/> Feltes won the Democratic primary, winning all towns and all wards in the 15th District.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.concordmonitor.com/photos/13488763-95/feltes-wins-all-wards-towns-in-district-15|title=Feltes wins all wards, towns in District 15|first=Megan|last=Doyle|work=Concord Monitor|date=September 11, 2014|access-date=August 5, 2019}}</ref> Feltes won 70% of the vote in the Democratic primary and over 65% of the vote in the general election.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://ballotpedia.org/Dan_Feltes |title=Dan Feltes |publisher=Ballotpedia|access-date=August 5, 2019}}</ref>
In 2016, Feltes was elected to a second term in the state senate, winning all towns and all wards in the 15th District and outperforming every Democrat up ticket, including getting more votes in the 15th District than Hillary Clinton.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/elections/results/new-hampshire-state-senate-district-15|title=New Hampshire 15th District State Senate Results: Dan Feltes Wins|access-date=2017-01-03}}</ref>
In 2018, Feltes developed and executed the plan that helped lead to the Democrats winning the majority in the State Senate.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Sununu, Shaheen tangle over Trump offshore drilling move; Feltes, Pappas roll up sleeves|url=https://www.concordmonitor.com/Feltes-Pappas-get-ready-to-work-21885444|url-status=live|access-date=October 25, 2021|website=Concordmonitor.com|date=November 30, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181201114813/https://www.concordmonitor.com/Feltes-Pappas-get-ready-to-work-21885444 |archive-date=December 1, 2018 }}</ref> Feltes then became the youngest Senate Majority Leader in New Hampshire history.<ref name="nhlabornews.com"/> Feltes was characterized by Steve Shurtleff, the former Speaker of the New Hampshire House, as the most effective consensus builder at the State House in two decades.<ref name="auto"/>
On jobs and the economy, Feltes passed legislation making New Hampshire the second state to protect workers from retaliation after requesting workplace or schedule flexibility,<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.workflexibility.org/new-hampshire-becomes-second-state-with-right-to-request-flexibility/|title=New Hampshire Becomes Second State with Right To Request Flexibility|first=Jennifer|last=Parris|date=June 16, 2016}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.nhbr.com/new-law-protects-workplace-flexibility-requests/|title=New law protects workplace flexibility requests|date=August 3, 2016}}</ref> advanced job training for working class in the trades,<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://apnews.com/article/---37683ca870c243fbaec6274d6f853268|title=Senate approves tripling fund for job training programs|date=January 31, 2019|website=AP NEWS|accessdate=April 29, 2023}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.fosters.com/news/20170903/lawmakers-remain-divided-on-workforce-development|title=Fosters.com|author=Holly Ramer|website=Fosters.com}}</ref> established full-day kindergarten,<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://reachinghighernh.org/2017/01/23/nh-legislators-debate-full-day-kindergarten-funding/|title=NH legislators debate full-day kindergarten funding|date=January 23, 2017}}</ref><ref name="unionleader.com">{{Cite web|url=https://www.unionleader.com/opinion/op-eds/mary-jane-wallner-and-dan-feltes-a-tale-of-two-state-budgets/article_a9341a72-7eb6-5c30-9115-6d9499a74e56.html|title=Mary Jane Wallner and Dan Feltes: A tale of two state budgets|website=UnionLeader.com|date=July 12, 2021 }}</ref> was the lead champion of paid family leave,<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.nhbr.com/paid-family-leave-proposal-makes-its-nh-senate-debut/|title=Paid family leave proposal makes its NH Senate debut|date=January 30, 2019}}</ref> and accomplished business tax reform lowering taxes for in-state small businesses while closing loopholes for out-of-state corporations.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.nhbr.com/change-in-calculating-business-taxes-mulled/|title=Change in calculating business taxes mulled|date=June 6, 2019}}</ref><ref name="unionleader.com"/>
On housing, Feltes sponsored the initial effort to capitalize the affordable housing fund with $25 million,<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://insidesources.com/senator-affordable-housing/|title=Senator Presents Ambitious Proposal For More Affordable Housing in NH|date=February 23, 2017}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.nhbr.com/appropriation-sought-to-boost-workforce-housing/|title=Appropriation sought to boost workforce housing|date=February 2, 2017}}</ref> led the effort on a first-ever appropriation for recovery and sober housing,<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.concordmonitor.com/Archive/2016/03/From-Archives/sober-cm-030916|title=Sober housing is key to help former drug users stay in recovery, officials said. Concord Sen. Dan Feltes is proposing|website=Concordmonitor.com|access-date=October 25, 2021}}</ref> advanced affordable housing and long-term care by passing the law to give property owners the right to both use and build accessory dwelling units and in-law apartments,<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.seacoastonline.com/news/20161012/workshop-explores-accessory-dwelling-ordinance-changes|title=Workshop explores accessory dwelling ordinance changes|first=Suzanne|last=Laurentnews@seacoastonline.com|website=seacoastonline.com}}{{Dead link|date=July 2025 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref> and received multiple legislator of the year awards for his bipartisan work on housing.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.nhbr.com/people-and-property-real-estate-and-construction-news-rundown-48/|title=People and Property: Real Estate and Construction News Rundown|date=October 28, 2015}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://housingactionnh.org/news/home-matters-in-nh-award-breakfast-april-13/|title=Congratulations to 2016 Home Matters in NH Award Winners|date=April 12, 2016}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.catchhousing.org/single-post/2017/05/16/home-matters-in-new-hampshire|title=Home Matters in New Hampshire|date=May 16, 2017|newspaper=Catch Housing}}</ref>
On health care, Feltes was the lead Democratic negotiator reauthorizing Medicaid expansion,<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.concordmonitor.com/Medicaid-Expansion-most-important-legislation-of-the-2018-session-17762343|title=Legislative victories and defeats, through the eyes of two top N.H. senators|website=Concordmonitor.com|date=May 27, 2018 |access-date=October 25, 2021}}</ref> and he led the effort to do a 1332 waiver to reduce health care costs.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.unionleader.com/news/politics/state/nh-gets-federal-waiver-to-lower-health-care-premiums/article_97c386b9-45c1-5891-a572-53f7b119ec92.html|title=NH gets federal waiver to lower health care premiums|first=Kevin Landrigan New Hampshire Union|last=Leader|website=UnionLeader.com|date=August 5, 2020 }}</ref> Feltes received awards for his bipartisan work combatting the opioid crisis, including from New Futures.<ref>{{Cite web |last=New Futures |url=https://twitter.com/NewFuturesNH/status/786705241139970048 |title=Congrats to leg. Champions @DanFeltesNH and @JoeAHannon for winning the Legislator of the Year Award #NFadvocacy thanks for your hard work!… |access-date=September 16, 2021 |archive-date=September 16, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210916210531/https://twitter.com/NewFuturesNH/status/786705241139970048 |url-status=dead |via=Twitter }}</ref> Feltes was the author of landmark legislation protecting Granite Staters with preexisting conditions.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.nhpr.org/nh-news/2019-07-09/sununu-to-sign-bill-to-protect-health-coverage-for-those-with-pre-existing-conditions|title=Sununu To Sign Bill To Protect Health Coverage for Those With Pre-existing Conditions|date=July 9, 2019|website=New Hampshire Public Radio}}</ref>
On prescription drug relief, Feltes authored the historic legislation to import safe, low-cost prescription drugs from Canada for New Hampshire seniors.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.unionleader.com/news/politics/state/sununu-joins-forces-with-potential-election-rival-to-fight-for-lower-drug-costs/article_f73e01f1-4cc5-543d-9276-19f82fbd9d40.html|title=Sununu joins forces with potential election rival to fight for lower drug costs|first=Kevin Landrigan New Hampshire Union|last=Leader|website=UnionLeader.com|date=January 22, 2020 }}</ref> Feltes passed prescription drug relief for senior citizens who fell in the Medicare Part D "donut hole".<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.gencourt.state.nh.us/bill_Status/HearingReport.aspx?id=1384&sy=2019 |title=Archived copy |access-date=September 17, 2021 |archive-date=September 17, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210917040935/http://www.gencourt.state.nh.us/bill_Status/HearingReport.aspx?id=1384&sy=2019 |url-status=dead }}</ref> Feltes also passed legislation capping out-of-pocket costs for insulin at $30 per month.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.healio.com/news/endocrinology/20200717/new-hampshire-law-caps-monthly-insulin-copay-at-30|title=New Hampshire law caps monthly insulin copay at $30|website=Healio.com}}</ref>
During the pandemic, Feltes sounded the alarm bell early on the administration's lack of testing in nursing homes,<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://patch.com/new-hampshire/concord-nh/most-coronavirus-deaths-nh-occurred-nursing-homes-data|title=Most Coronavirus Deaths In NH Occurred In Nursing Homes: Data|date=May 6, 2020|website=Patch.com}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.nashuatelegraph.com/news/local-news/2020/05/07/sununu-expands-covid-19-testing-for-the-public-and-in-nursing-homes/|title=Sununu expands COVID-19 testing for the public and in nursing homes|website=Nashuatelegraph.com|access-date=October 25, 2021}}</ref> which drove New Hampshire to becoming the worst in-the-nation in dealing with COVID in nursing homes.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.unionleader.com/news/health/coronavirus/new-hampshire-ranks-no-1----in-covid-19-nursing-home-deaths/article_e0c58f5e-f6c1-5e9e-bdaa-7b2ac059c753.html|title=New Hampshire ranks No. 1 -- in COVID-19 nursing home deaths|first=Mark Hayward New Hampshire Union|last=Leader|website=UnionLeader.com|date=December 26, 2020 }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.wmur.com/article/new-hampshire-coronavirus-update-may-6-2020/32390115|title=19 new deaths, all in long-term care facilities, attributed to COVID-19 in NH|first=Kirk|last=Enstrom|date=May 7, 2020|website=WMUR}}</ref> Feltes fought for additional support and enhanced oversight and transparency of nursing homes, including the New Hampshire Veterans Home,<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.unionleader.com/opinion/op-eds/steve-shurtleff-and-dan-feltes-our-veterans-deserve-better/article_0375aa02-8768-5e6e-b048-092f6f2f120c.html|title=Steve Shurtleff and Dan Feltes: Our veterans deserve better|website=UnionLeader.com|date=December 20, 2020 }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.seacoastonline.com/story/news/coronavirus/2020/06/16/telehealth-passes-as-nh-senate-spreads-out-to-tackle-clumped-together-bills/113740742/|title=Telehealth passes as NH Senate spreads out to tackle clumped together bills|first=Holly|last=Ramer|website=Seacoastonline.com}}</ref> advocated for a COVID-19 Workers Bill of Rights to get people back to work safely,<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.unionleader.com/news/politics/state/feltes-floats-covid-19-workers-bill-of-rights-nhgop-calls-it-grasping-for-relevancy/article_af224372-800e-5eb1-bf71-a7201b07050d.html|title=Feltes floats COVID-19 'workers' bill of rights'; NHGOP calls it 'grasping for relevancy'|first=Kevin Landrigan New Hampshire Union|last=Leader|website=UnionLeader.com|date=May 6, 2020 }}</ref> and Feltes was among the first in the nation to propose direct relief for frontline workers.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.unionleader.com/news/health/coronavirus/feltes-plan-for-federal-covid-19-relief-earmarks-at-least-50m-to-select-frontline-workers/article_079c8aa6-5ffb-5fc8-bf65-180dd751bf44.html|title=Feltes plan for federal COVID-19 relief earmarks at least $50M to select 'frontline' workers|first=Kevin Landrigan New Hampshire Union|last=Leader|website=UnionLeader.com|date=April 2020 }}</ref>
In a sweeping reform of children's mental health care, Feltes authored the bipartisan landmark legislation making the largest advancement in children's mental health care in the history of New Hampshire, including a statewide system of care for children that involved a statewide mobile crisis team, otherwise known as SB 14.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Hope for an improved child behavioral health system in N.H.|url=https://www.concordmonitor.com/NH-child-behavioral-health-bill-change-how-state-systems-of-care-works-23594627|url-status=live|access-date=October 25, 2021|website=Concordmonitor.com|date=February 22, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190222060751/https://www.concordmonitor.com/NH-child-behavioral-health-bill-change-how-state-systems-of-care-works-23594627 |archive-date=February 22, 2019 }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=http://gencourt.state.nh.us/bill_Status/billText.aspx?sy=2019&id=998&txtFormat=html |title=Archived copy |access-date=September 16, 2021 |archive-date=October 24, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201024045123/http://gencourt.state.nh.us/bill_Status/billText.aspx?sy=2019&id=998&txtFormat=html |url-status=dead }}</ref> Feltes also consistently fought the administration for better child protection staffing,<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.concordmonitor.com/New-Hampshire-House-Senate-lawmakers-push-Gov-Chris-Sununu-to-approve-more-DCYF-workers-24903851|title=Lawmakers push Sununu to approve more DCYF workers|website=Concordmonitor.com|date=April 16, 2019 |access-date=October 25, 2021}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.wmur.com/article/dcyf-bills-signed-into-law-after-sununu-senate-standoff/27705482|title=DCYF bills signed into law after Sununu, Senate standoff|first=John|last=DiStaso|date=June 3, 2019|website=WMUR}}</ref> and sponsored the effort to combat childhood lead poisoning from both paint and water.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.nhpr.org/nh-news/2018-02-08/sununu-signs-new-lead-exposure-protections-into-law|title=Sununu Signs New Lead Exposure Protections Into Law|date=February 8, 2018|website=New Hampshire Public Radio}}</ref>
On energy and the environment, Feltes was instrumental in getting some of the toughest drinking water standards for PFAS in the country.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.nacwa.org/news-publications/news-detail/2019/07/29/new-hampshire-sets-tough-drinking-water-standards-for-pfas|title=New Hampshire sets tough drinking water standards for PFAS|website=Nacwa.org}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.seacoastonline.com/news/20190718/new-hampshire-sets-tough-drinking-water-standards-for-pfas|title=New Hampshire sets tough drinking water standards for PFAS|author=Michael Casey|agency=Associated Press|website=seacoastonline.com|access-date=September 16, 2021|archive-date=September 16, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210916212513/https://www.seacoastonline.com/news/20190718/new-hampshire-sets-tough-drinking-water-standards-for-pfas|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.nhpr.org/environment/2019-07-18/n-h-approves-unprecedented-limits-for-pfas-chemicals-in-drinking-water|title=N.H. Approves Unprecedented Limits For PFAS Chemicals In Drinking Water|date=July 19, 2019|website=New Hampshire Public Radio}}</ref> Feltes also authored bipartisan legislation protecting the historic Warner river.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.gencourt.state.nh.us/bill_status/billText.aspx?id=1807&txtFormat=html&sy=2018 |title=Archived copy |access-date=September 16, 2021 |archive-date=September 16, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210916212513/http://www.gencourt.state.nh.us/bill_status/billText.aspx?id=1807&txtFormat=html&sy=2018 |url-status=dead }}</ref> Feltes was the lead Democratic sponsor and author of the New Hampshire Clean Energy Jobs and Opportunity Act of 2019.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.concordmonitor.com/Time-to-pass-SB-129-10388393|title=Our Turn: Pass SB 129, save 900 New Hampshire jobs|website=Concordmonitor.com|date=June 2017 |access-date=October 25, 2021}}</ref> Feltes was also the lead Democratic negotiator involving the completion of the restructuring of the utility market in New Hampshire.<ref>[https://www.puc.nh.gov/regulatory/Docketbk/2014/14-238/TESTIMONY/14-238%202015-07-10%20SENATOR%20J%20BRADLEY%20AND%20D%20FELTES%20TESTIMONY.PDF Testimony] puc.nh.gov</ref> Feltes was a bipartisan leader advancing energy efficiency and weatherization.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.concordmonitor.com/N-H-Legislature-HB-1660-energy-efficiency-3282224|title=Our Turn: Republicans, Democrats must work together on energy|website=Concordmonitor.com|date=July 7, 2016 |access-date=October 25, 2021}}</ref> Feltes authored New Hampshire's community power act, or community choice aggregation,<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.gencourt.state.nh.us/legislation/2019/SB0286.html |title=Archived copy |access-date=September 16, 2021 |archive-date=September 16, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210916212511/http://www.gencourt.state.nh.us/legislation/2019/SB0286.html |url-status=dead }}</ref> which led to electric rates being cut by 22% or more for tens of thousands of residents in communities across New Hampshire.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.wmur.com/article/community-power-coalition-new-hampshire-rates-323/43300434|title=Community Power Coalition announces electricity rates below utilities |date=March 14, 2023 }}</ref> Feltes also authored New Hampshire's landmark community solar law.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.gencourt.state.nh.us/legislation/2019/SB0165.html |title=Archived copy |access-date=September 16, 2021 |archive-date=September 16, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210916212513/http://www.gencourt.state.nh.us/legislation/2019/SB0165.html |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.nhbr.com/nh-house-panel-reaches-compromise-on-renewable-energy-standard/|title=NH House panel reaches compromise on renewable energy standard|date=May 7, 2019}}</ref>
On campaign finance reform and ethics, Feltes passed bipartisan reforms of inaugural committee transactions and disclosures,<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.nhpr.org/nh-news/2019-03-07/n-h-senate-moves-to-tighten-rules-for-inaugural-committees|title=N.H. Senate Moves To Tighten Rules For Inaugural Committees|date=March 7, 2019|website=New Hampshire Public Radio}}</ref> led executive branch ethics reform,<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://gencourt.state.nh.us/bill_Status/billText.aspx?sy=2016&id=1129&txtFormat=html |title=Archived copy |access-date=September 16, 2021 |archive-date=September 16, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210916213048/http://gencourt.state.nh.us/bill_Status/billText.aspx?sy=2016&id=1129&txtFormat=html |url-status=dead }}</ref> and led the effort to bolster oversight and enforcement of election and lobbying compliance.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.wmur.com/article/nh-department-of-justice-seeks-two-full-time-election-campaign-lobbying-law-investigators/8687994|title=NH Department of Justice seeks two full-time election-campaign-lobbying law investigators|first=John|last=DiStaso|date=February 7, 2017|website=WMUR}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://legiscan.com/NH/bill/SB197/2018|title=New Hampshire SB197 | 2018 | Regular Session|website=LegiScan}}</ref> Feltes also fought to close the LLC contribution loophole and get dark money out of politics, although both efforts were vetoed.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.wmur.com/article/nh-primary-source-ayotte-trump-fence-mending-welcomed-by-key-republicans/8665852|title=NH Primary Source: Ayotte-Trump 'fence-mending' welcomed by key Republicans|first=John|last=DiStaso|date=February 6, 2017|website=WMUR}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.nhbr.com/should-nh-close-the-llc-loophole/|title=Should New Hampshire close the 'LLC loophole'?|date=February 5, 2021}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=http://gencourt.state.nh.us/bill_Status/billText.aspx?sy=2019&id=993&txtFormat=html |title=Archived copy |access-date=September 16, 2021 |archive-date=September 16, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210916213050/http://gencourt.state.nh.us/bill_Status/billText.aspx?sy=2019&id=993&txtFormat=html |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.opendemocracyaction.org/4-15-2019_newsletter|title=New Hampshire Democracy Report: April 15, 2019|website=Open Democracy Action}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.wmur.com/article/nh-primary-source-sununu-vetoes-bill-that-would-have-closed-llc-loophole/28357984|title=NH Primary Source: Sununu vetoes bill that would have closed 'LLC loophole'|first=John|last=DiStaso|date=July 11, 2019|website=WMUR}}</ref>
On diversity, equity and inclusion, Feltes authored historic legislation, the Criminal Justice Reform and Economic Fairness Act of 2018,<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://gencourt.state.nh.us/bill_Status/billText.aspx?sy=2018&id=1993&txtFormat=html |title=Archived copy |access-date=September 16, 2021 |archive-date=September 16, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210916213615/http://gencourt.state.nh.us/bill_Status/billText.aspx?sy=2018&id=1993&txtFormat=html |url-status=dead }}</ref> which, among other things, accomplished bipartisan bail reform.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.fosters.com/news/20180601/reforming-our-broken-bail-system-will-benefit-taxpayers-and-accused|title=Reforming our broken bail system will benefit taxpayers and the accused|first=Greg|last=Moore|website=fosters.com}}</ref> Feltes also passed bipartisan legislation getting rid of so-called debtors prisons,<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://senatorcarson.com/carson-feltes-pleased-by-passage-of-bill-restoring-rights-to-granite-staters/ |title=Carson, Feltes pleased by passage of bill restoring rights to Granite Staters - Senator Sharon Carson |access-date=September 17, 2021 |archive-date=September 17, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210917041225/https://senatorcarson.com/carson-feltes-pleased-by-passage-of-bill-restoring-rights-to-granite-staters/ |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.aclu-nh.org/en/press-releases/nh-legislature-and-governor-approve-bill-aimed-curb-debtors-prison-practices|title=NH Legislature and Governor Approve Bill Aimed to Curb Debtors' Prison Practices|date=June 7, 2017|website=ACLU of New Hampshire}}</ref> and as Majority Leader of the Senate, Feltes held the votes necessary to override a veto in order to repeal the death penalty.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.wmur.com/article/nh-senate-to-vote-on-whether-to-override-governors-veto-of-death-penalty-repeal/27648079|title=Death penalty officially abolished in New Hampshire|first=Adam|last=Sexton|date=May 31, 2019|website=WMUR}}</ref> Feltes's legislation to “Ban the Box” and provide workers with a criminal history an opportunity to compete for jobs garnered bipartisan support but was vetoed.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.nhpr.org/politics/2019-03-28/n-h-senate-votes-to-ban-businesses-from-asking-applicants-about-criminal-records|title=N.H. Senate Votes to Ban Businesses From Asking Applicants About Criminal Records|date=March 28, 2019|website=New Hampshire Public Radio}}</ref> In the wake of the Me Too movement, and amid concerns about the conduct of legislators, Feltes authored and passed legislation to crack down on sexual harassment at the Statehouse.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://apnews.com/article/-----0ed42e7758d347c7b5a4d8fc261994ac|title=Independent investigator proposed for Statehouse harassment|date=February 20, 2019|website=AP NEWS|accessdate=April 29, 2023}}</ref>
== 2020 gubernatorial election == {{main|2020 New Hampshire gubernatorial election}} After declining to run for governor of New Hampshire in the 2018 election,<ref>{{cite news|author=DiStaso|first1=John|last2=Sexton|first2=Adam|date=March 9, 2018|title=Democrat Feltes won't run for governor, will seek third term in state Senate|publisher=WMUR-TV|url=https://www.wmur.com/article/democrat-feltes-wont-run-for-governor-will-seek-third-term-in-state-senate/19379298|url-status=live|access-date=August 5, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210305092647/https://www.wmur.com/article/democrat-feltes-wont-run-for-governor-will-seek-third-term-in-state-senate/19379298|archive-date=March 5, 2021}}</ref> Feltes announced his intent to run for governor on September 3, 2019,<ref>{{cite news|last1=DiStaso|first1=John|last2=Sexton|first2=Adam|date=September 3, 2019|title=Promising to put working-class families first, Democrat Dan Feltes announces run for governor|publisher=WMUR-TV|url=https://www.wmur.com/article/promising-to-put-working-class-families-first-democrat-dan-feltes-announces-run-for-governor/28891491|url-status=live|access-date=September 3, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210118025621/https://www.wmur.com/article/promising-to-put-working-class-families-first-democrat-dan-feltes-announces-run-for-governor/28891491|archive-date=January 18, 2021}}</ref> facing Executive Councilor Andru Volinsky in the Democratic primary.<ref>{{cite news|author=DiStaso|first1=John|last2=Sexton|first2=Adam|date=July 11, 2019|title=State Sen. Dan Feltes says he's 'strongly considering' run for governor|publisher=WMUR-TV|url=https://www.wmur.com/article/state-sen-dan-feltes-says-hes-strongly-considering-run-for-governor/28357653|url-status=live|access-date=August 5, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201001085434/https://www.wmur.com/article/state-sen-dan-feltes-says-hes-strongly-considering-run-for-governor/28357653|archive-date=October 1, 2020}}</ref> Despite sharing much of the same ideology, Volinsky was largely viewed as the more liberal choice, especially given his endorsement from Senator Bernie Sanders. Feltes earned the support of progressive campaign finance reform and voting rights organizations, End Citizens United and Let America Vote,<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.wmur.com/article/nh-primary-source-feltes-among-8-democrats-endorsed-by-campaign-finance-reform-voting-groups/32831284|title=NH Primary Source: Feltes among 8 Democrats endorsed by campaign finance reform, voting groups|first=John|last=DiStaso|date=June 11, 2020|publisher=WMUR-TV}}</ref> as well as the support of fourteen labor unions.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.wmur.com/article/nh-primary-source-nh-sheet-metals-workers-local-17-becomes-latest-union-to-endorse-feltes/33464491|title=NH Primary Source: NH Sheet Metals workers Local 17 becomes latest union to endorse Feltes|first=John|last=DiStaso|date=July 30, 2020|publisher=WMUR-TV}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.wmur.com/article/nh-primary-source-two-laborers-union-locals-endorse-feltes-for-governor/32396661|title=NH Primary Source: Two Laborers union locals endorse Feltes for governor|first=John|last=DiStaso|date=May 7, 2020|publisher=WMUR-TV}}</ref> One union contrasted Feltes' background as a legal aid attorney with Volinsky's background as a corporate attorney.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.wmur.com/article/volinsky-defends-representing-secondary-defendant-in-2015-wage-theft-case/31266377|title=Volinsky defends representing 'secondary defendant' in 2015 wage theft case|first=John|last=DiStaso|date=March 7, 2020|publisher=WMUR-TV}}</ref> Feltes defeated Volinsky with a strong showing in Hanover, Portsmouth, Concord, Manchester, and Nashua.
In the general election, Feltes was endorsed by the New Hampshire State Troopers, who had backed the incumbent governor Chris Sununu in the prior election.<ref>{{cite news|last=DiStaso|first=John|date=September 10, 2020|title=NH Primary Source: NH Troopers Association backs Feltes over Sununu in November election|publisher=WMUR-TV|url=https://www.wmur.com/article/nh-primary-source-nh-troopers-association-backs-feltes-over-sununu-in-november-election/33983625|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210917033146/https://www.wmur.com/article/nh-primary-source-nh-troopers-association-backs-feltes-over-sununu-in-november-election/33983625|archive-date=September 17, 2021}}</ref> Feltes, a strong retail campaigner, was effectively sidelined during the pandemic while the incumbent governor Chris Sununu appeared on statewide TV, sometimes three times a week.<ref name="Sununu pandemic">{{Cite news|last=DeWitt|first=Ethan|date=November 3, 2020|title=Sununu's popular handling of pandemic proves too much for Feltes to overcome|work=Concord Monitor|url=https://www.concordmonitor.com/Gov-Chris-Sununu-Dan-Feltes-New-Hampshire-gubernatorial-race-results-37113474|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210628220854/https://www.concordmonitor.com/Gov-Chris-Sununu-Dan-Feltes-New-Hampshire-gubernatorial-race-results-37113474|archive-date=June 28, 2021}}</ref>{{Failed verification|date=December 2020}} Sununu also took unilateral control of $1.25 billion in federal pandemic relief, frequently announcing new relief efforts, while his administrators announced the infections and the outbreaks.<ref name="Sununu pandemic"/> Sununu only agreed to do one televised debate, on WMUR. Feltes lost to incumbent governor Chris Sununu in the general election in November 2020,<ref>{{cite news|last=Landrigan|first=Kevin|date=March 13, 2021|title=Sununu: 'We're coming out of winter, we're coming out of COVID'|work=New Hampshire Union Leader|url=https://www.unionleader.com/news/health/coronavirus/sununu-we-re-coming-out-of-winter-we-re-coming-out-of-covid/article_6841c05a-eb63-5ace-bf1f-b414bdcfc46c.html|url-status=live|url-access=subscription|archive-url=https://archive.today/20211017135741/https://www.unionleader.com/news/health/coronavirus/sununu-we-re-coming-out-of-winter-we-re-coming-out-of-covid/article_6841c05a-eb63-5ace-bf1f-b414bdcfc46c.html|archive-date=October 17, 2021|access-date=April 22, 2021}}</ref> having set fundraising records for a non-incumbent in a race for governor in New Hampshire.<ref>{{cite news|last=DiStaso|first=John|date=June 18, 2020|title=NH Primary Source: Feltes to report raising $916K so far in governor's campaign, $480K cash on hand|publisher=WMUR-TV|url=https://www.wmur.com/article/nh-primary-source-feltes-to-report-raising-dollar916k-so-far-in-governors-campaign-dollar480k-cash-on-hand/32892904|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210917011256/https://www.wmur.com/article/nh-primary-source-feltes-to-report-raising-dollar916k-so-far-in-governors-campaign-dollar480k-cash-on-hand/32892904|archive-date=September 17, 2021}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last=DiStaso|first=John|date=December 4, 2019|title=NH Primary Source: Feltes to report record-breaking $500K raised so far for campaign for governor|publisher=WMUR-TV|url=https://www.wmur.com/article/nh-primary-source-feltes-to-report-record-breaking-dollar500k-raised-so-far-for-campaign-for-governor/30122793|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210916204221/https://www.wmur.com/article/nh-primary-source-feltes-to-report-record-breaking-dollar500k-raised-so-far-for-campaign-for-governor/30122793|archive-date=September 16, 2021}}</ref>
==Personal life== Feltes and his wife, Erin, have two daughters.<ref>{{Cite news|last=Feltes|first=Dan|date=March 1, 2020|title=Feltes: Let's get real results for working families in 2020|work=The Portsmouth Herald|type=opinion|url=https://www.seacoastonline.com/news/20200301/feltes-lets-get-real-results-for-working-families-in-2020|url-status=live|access-date=September 9, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200324193648/https://www.seacoastonline.com/news/20200301/feltes-lets-get-real-results-for-working-families-in-2020|archive-date=March 24, 2020}}</ref> They are both natives of Iowa, and they moved back to Iowa from New Hampshire in the fall of 2021 after Erin accepted a job at the University of Iowa.<ref>{{Cite web|title=On the trail: Who would replace Sununu in the governor's office?|url=https://www.concordmonitor.com/on-the-trail-43260249|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211029202258/https://www.concordmonitor.com/on-the-trail-43260249 |archive-date=October 29, 2021 |access-date=|website=}}</ref>
==References== {{Reflist}}
==External links== {{commons category-inline}} * [http://gencourt.state.nh.us/Senate/members/webpages/district15.aspx Government website] * [https://danfeltesnh.com/ Campaign website] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200628205946/https://danfeltesnh.com/ |date=June 28, 2020 }} {{CongLinks|votesmart=154233}} * {{C-SPAN|124163}}
{{s-start}} {{s-par|us-nh-sen}} {{s-bef|before=Sylvia Larsen}} {{s-ttl|title=Member of the New Hampshire Senate<br />from the 15th district|years=2014–2020}} {{s-aft|after=Becky Whitley}} |- {{s-bef|before=Jeb Bradley}} {{s-ttl|title=Majority Leader of the New Hampshire Senate|years=2018–2020}} {{s-aft|after=Jeb Bradley}} |- {{s-ppo}} {{s-bef|before=Molly Kelly}} {{s-ttl|title=Democratic nominee for Governor of New Hampshire|years=2020}} {{s-aft|after=Tom Sherman}} {{s-end}}
{{authority control}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Feltes, Dan}} Category:1979 births Category:Candidates in the 2020 United States elections Category:McCourt School of Public Policy alumni Category:Living people Category:Democratic Party New Hampshire state senators Category:Politicians from Concord, New Hampshire Category:University of Iowa College of Law alumni Category:University of Northern Iowa alumni Category:21st-century members of the New Hampshire General Court