Charles Bass

Charles Bass – Life, Career, and Political Profile

Learn about Charles Foster “Charlie” Bass (born January 8, 1952), the American Republican politician from New Hampshire — his early life, congressional career, policy focus, and legacy.

Introduction

Charles Foster Bass, known as Charlie Bass, is an American politician and member of the the Republican Party.

Bass is often described as a centrist or moderate Republican, particularly on social issues, combining conservative fiscal principles with more flexible positions on some social policy.

Early Life, Family & Education

• Born: January 8, 1952, in Boston, Massachusetts.

• Parents: Katharine and Perkins Bass. His father, Perkins, served as U.S. Representative for New Hampshire’s 2nd district from 1955 to 1963.

• Grandfather: Robert P. Bass, who was governor of New Hampshire (1911–1913) and an influential figure in progressive Republican politics.

Bass was raised in New Hampshire. He attended Holderness School in Plymouth, New Hampshire, where he was student body president in his senior year. Dartmouth College, graduating in 1974 with a Bachelor of Arts degree.

After college, he worked on Capitol Hill: first with Representative William S. Cohen (Maine) in 1974, and then with Representative David F. Emery (Maine) from 1975 to 1979.

Political Career

State-Level Experience

Bass began his political career in New Hampshire state government:

• From 1982 to 1988, he served in the New Hampshire General Court (state legislature).

• From 1988 to 1992, he was a member of the New Hampshire State Senate, representing District 11.

During his time in the state legislature, he was known for supporting tort reform and taking moderate stances on some issues.

U.S. House of Representatives

First Period (1995–2007)

In 1994, during the wave election that delivered many Republicans to Congress, Bass won the seat for New Hampshire’s 2nd district, defeating incumbent Richard Swett.

He was re-elected multiple times and served six consecutive terms until January 3, 2007. Paul Hodes.

During his tenure, Bass served on the House Energy and Commerce Committee, and his subcommittee assignments included Commerce, Manufacturing and Trade, Communications and Technology, and Environment and Economy.

He also joined caucuses including the Congressional Arts Caucus, Bipartisan Medical Technology Caucus, General Aviation Caucus, and others emphasizing rural interests, energy, and technology.

On social policy, Bass distinguished himself from many Republicans: he was a Republicans for Choice member and generally supported abortion rights (though he opposed federal funding for abortions). Hollingsworth v. Perry Supreme Court case.

He was known for voting in favor of environmental protection, alternative energy incentives, and opposing efforts to undercut environmental regulations.

Second Period (2011–2013)

After a few years out of office, Bass re-entered the political arena. In 2010, he ran again for his old seat (after Paul Hodes declined to run) and won a rematch against Ann McLane Kuster by a narrow margin.

During this term, he again served on the House Energy and Commerce Committee.

In 2012, he ran for re-election but lost to Kuster.

Post-Congress & Other Activities

After leaving Congress, Bass became a business consultant in the renewable energy sector and joined the board of clean energy companies such as New England Wood Pellet and Laidlaw Biopower, LLC.

He also considered a U.S. Senate run in 2014, but ultimately chose not to challenge Democratic Senator Jeanne Shaheen. John Kasich for the Republican nomination.

He is a member of the ReFormers Caucus of Issue One, a group of former legislators promoting political reform and ethics.

Personal Life, Beliefs & Legacy

• Residence: Peterborough, New Hampshire.

• Spouse: Lisa Bass.

• Religion: Episcopalian.

• Political positioning: Known as a centrist Republican — on social issues he has taken more moderate stances in contrast to more conservative peers.

His legacy lies in combining political moderation with a willingness to cross party lines on important social issues, and in bringing attention to energy and environmental topics among New England Republicans. His repeated returns to Congress and persistence reflect his deep roots in New Hampshire’s political tradition.