603 Forward Builds on Municipal Election Success, Launches Largest Candidate Recruitment and Support Effort Yet for 2026

NEW HAMPSHIRE — After helping elect dozens of working-age leaders in local races across New Hampshire earlier this year, 603 Forward is building on that momentum with its largest candidate recruitment and training effort yet, preparing a new generation of Granite Staters to run for office in the 2026 General Election.

Earlier this year, the organization's municipal candidate program helped train and support candidates ahead of Town Meeting elections, resulting in 24 candidates elected to local office. Building on that success, 603 Forward spent months recruiting and training candidates ahead of New Hampshire's filing period for November’s elections.

603 Forward recruited 72 candidates to run for state office through community outreach, one-on-one conversations, and public events. More than 100 aspiring candidates participated in the organization's Run For It training series, which provides practical guidance on everything from filing for office and fundraising to voter outreach and campaign planning.

Those training efforts culminated in Ready, Set, Lead, 603 Forward's “candidate bootcamp,” where participants received hands-on training and built connections with fellow candidates from across New Hampshire.

Following the filing period, qualified candidates will now join Run Club, a structured candidate support program designed to help first-time and emerging leaders navigate their campaigns, build skills, and connect with a statewide network of peers as they head toward Election Day.

"What gives me hope isn't just the number of people running – it's who they are," said Matt Mooshian, Interim Executive Director of 603 Forward. "Throughout this recruitment cycle, we've met people from every part of New Hampshire who care deeply about their communities and are willing to put themselves out there to serve. Running for office isn't easy, and it takes real courage to step forward. We're proud to support these candidates as they work to bring their experiences, perspectives, and leadership to public service."

603 Forward is the only organization in New Hampshire dedicated exclusively to recruiting, training, and electing the next generation of working-age leaders to public office. Since its founding, the organization has helped recruit more than 500 Granite Staters to consider public office and supported hundreds of candidates running at every level of government.

As campaigns begin to take shape across New Hampshire, 603 Forward will continue providing training, mentorship, and support to candidates working to bring fresh perspectives and practical solutions to the challenges facing the state.

"Every candidate who files for office has a story about why they decided to step up, and getting to hear those stories has been one of the most rewarding parts of this work," said Beck Kelly, Leadership Programs Director of 603 Forward. "I've spent the last several months training and working alongside candidates who care deeply about New Hampshire and want to make a difference in their communities. Their optimism, commitment, and willingness to lead is what gives me hope for the future of our state. These are exactly the kinds of leaders New Hampshire needs more of."

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