Jonathan A. Kiper is a 42-year-old restaurant owner, musician, and author from Newmarket, New Hampshire. He ran for governor as a Democrat in 2024, finishing third in the primary with about 8 percent of the vote. After initially launching his 2026 campaign as an independent in June 2025, he switched back to running as a Democrat in September 2025. He previously served on the Newmarket Town Council. Kiper's campaign emphasizes economic affordability, property tax reform, and housing policy. His populist messaging appeals to working-class voters frustrated with what he views as a 'fiscal doom loop' created by inadequate tax revenue and underinvestment in public services.
Jonathan Kiper, age 42, is a musician, author, and restaurant owner from Newmarket, New Hampshire. He previously served on the Newmarket Town Council. According to his 2024 campaign, he advocated for 'weed for housing' — combining marijuana legalization with housing affordability efforts. In his 2024 gubernatorial primary bid, he finished third with approximately 8 percent of the vote behind Joyce Craig and Cinde Warmington. He initially launched his 2026 campaign as an independent in June 2025, saying he believed some Republicans supported his candidacy but couldn't vote for him in a Democratic primary. In September 2025, he switched back to running as a Democrat, citing the party's grassroots desire for 'a good message and a good messenger.' As of December 2025, his restaurant Jonny Boston's International had closed permanently, which he attributed to rising costs making it difficult to serve affordable food. He remains an outsider candidate with limited political experience and minimal campaign funding.