Young Leaders Offer Path Forward in Town Elections
NEW HAMPSHIRE – At a time when extreme state and national leadership seek to divide us and work to undermine faith in our government and democracy, young leaders across New Hampshire swept into local offices in last night’s Town Election, offering a path forward for our communities amidst the uncertainty. These changemakers ran on a positive, community-centered message focused on building thriving communities where families can live and work, and students can access a high-quality public education. That message resonated; as of writing, 44 young leaders and counting won their elections, including:
Loren Howard, a graduate of Claremont Public Schools, a small business owner, and a parent who ran for the Claremont School Board to uplift student voices and defend special education.
Candice O’Neil and Sarah Elliott, parents and community leaders who ran for the Hampton School Board to provide proactive planning in a changing educational landscape and to improve collaboration between the district and families.
Alyssa McKeon and Vicky Bram, community leaders who ran for Hopkinton Select Board to bring innovative and collaborative solutions to make Hopkinton a more liveable, inclusive community.
Kelly Moss, an educator, parent, and community leader who ran for the Salem School Board to improve Salem Schools for students and the broader community.
Angela Brennan, who was re-elected to the Bow Select Board after delivering on her mission to make the local government more transparent, accessible, and collaborative.
To support these next-generation leaders, 603 Forward ran a comprehensive recruitment and training program, hosting 3 “Run for Office” trainings and completing 45 coaching 1:1s and office hours. In addition, 603 Forward executed a mail and digital independent expenditure campaign in 11 communities to build name recognition and turn out voters. Of the 17 candidates 603 Forward invested in, 15 won, with a win rate of 88%.
In response to these victories, 603 Forward Leadership Development Director Tim Peltier released the following statement:
“Year after year, we’ve seen inspiring young candidates run for local office and win. Change starts at the local level, and these leaders bring the vision, commitment, and urgency to make their communities more liveable, resilient, and inclusive. They understand that our towns are stronger when we come together and that public schools are the bedrock of healthy communities, a marked contrast from extreme politicians who seek to divide us, dismantle public education, and leave communities behind. Strong local leadership means a path forward towards building a New Hampshire where we all thrive.”
“Finding the courage to step up for your community is no easy task,” added 603 Forward Leadership Development Coordinator Beck Kelly. “We are so proud of each and every candidate who felt the urgency of the moment and boldly stepped up to run in an increasingly divisive political environment. Regardless of the election results, these candidates led by example, engaging with their neighbors and demonstrating that we can work together to build a better future for every Granite Stater. It’s going to take all of us, engaged at all levels of government, to make a thriving New Hampshire a reality.
“Congratulations to all of the candidates who won their local elections; we look forward to continuing working with you to build a New Hampshire where young people thrive.”
List of young leaders elected to office last night:
Carrie Neill, Barrington School Board
Andrea Campbell, Bedford School Board
Stacie Jarvis, MVSD School Board
Angela Brennan, Bow Select Board
Ben Davis, Bow Budget Committee
Melynie Klunk, Bow School Board
Stefanie Kizza, Brentwood Planning Board
Casey Hoenstine, Brookline Library Trustee
Heather Reardon, Brookline School Board
Lynn Powers, Brookline School Board
Kate Elkins, Brookline Finance Committee
Loren Howard, Claremont School Board
Robin Vogt, Durham Town Council
Jessica Jacques, Gilford School Board
Nicole Hogan, Gilford School Board
Shane Rozamus, Goffstown School Board
Laura Fleming, Goffstown School Board
Vanessa Hayes, Goffstown School Board
Allison DeCesere, Goffstown Budget Committee
Samantha Kearns, Goffstown Budget Committee
Matt Saunders, Hampton Zoning Board
Candice O’Neil, Hampton School Board
Sarah Elliott, Hampton School Board
Erin Hubbard, Hollis School Board
Jonathan Fontaine, Hollis School Board
Carryl Roy, Hollis School Board
Holly Babcock, Hollis-Brookline School Board
Suzanne Carmichael, Hopkinton School Board
Alyssa McKeon, Hopkinton Select Board
Vicky Bram, Hopkinton Select Board
Megan Myers, Littleton Library Trustee
Kevin Gray, Londonderry School Board
Jason Neemos, Plymouth Select Board
Dionne Garon, Salem Zoning Board
Kelly Moss, Salem School Board
Aaron Kalilm, Salem School Board
Sean Lewis, Salem Planning Board
Cameron Orr, Stratham Memorial School Board
Sarah Jewell, Stratham School District Treasurer
Nancy Glynn, Sutton Select Board
Erin Collins, Wilton-Lyndeborough School Board
Brian Duffy, SAU 16 Co-op School Board
Joe Pace, SAU 16 Co-op School Board
603 Forward envisions a thriving New Hampshire where people are free to live, work and raise a family. In our New Hampshire: democracy is protected above all else; young people have a voice in government at all levels; and policy changes help build an inclusive, affordable and resilient state.
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