Senator Jim Rausch was elected in 2010 to represent District 19, which includes Hampstead, Windham, and his hometown of Derry. He has the distinction of being the Senate's only veterinarian.

In his first term, Senator Rausch was named Chairman of the Transportation Committee, as well as a member of Ways & Means and Capital Budget. His legislative priorities include: education funding, retirement reform and transportation-related issues in the state.

Sen. Rausch previously served five terms in the House of Representatives where he was a member of the Public Works and Highways Committee and the Long Range Capitol Planning Committee. He has served as an Assistant Majority Republican Whip and as an Assistant Republican Leader in the House.

Jim graduated from Michigan State University in 1972 with his Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine Degree. He practiced at the Salem Animal Hospital as a staff veterinarian starting in 1972. Five years later in 1977, Rausch purchased the hospital and owned and operated the facility until 2000.

He is a past President and Treasurer of the New Hampshire Veterinary Medical Association and a past President of the New Hampshire Board of Veterinary Medicine. He has served on numerous other boards including the Alexander Eastman Foundation. He currently serves on the Board of Directors for the Salem Community Benefit Foundation and the Salem CO-Operative Bank.

He is married to Lorinda and they have three children.