Young Leaders Continue to Step Up for Town Offices Across New Hampshire
NEW HAMPSHIRE — Following this year’s first Town Election filing deadline, a new class of local candidates has officially stepped forward to serve their communities, continuing a growing trend of young leaders answering the call to local leadership. Through its statewide leadership development and candidate support work, 603 Forward is proud to have trained 37 candidates ages 50 and under who filed to run for town and school offices this March. In total 100+ candidates ages 50 and under filed to run for local office.
As Granite Staters across the state are forced to shoulder rising property taxes – on top of underfunded schools and needing critical infrastructure updates – local leadership has never been more important. In response to young candidates stepping up, 603 Forward Leadership Development Director Beck Kelly released the following statement:
“Local offices are where the rubber hits the road. Right now, towns are being asked to do more with less while the state focuses on distractions that don’t ease the cost of living or lower our property taxes. These young leaders are stepping up because they know that real solutions happen at the local level – and that accountability, responsible budgets, and strong leadership are more important than ever.”
In the weeks leading up to the filing deadline, 603 Forward hosted 4 ‘Run for It’ trainings, provided one-on-one coaching and office hours, and worked in coalition with local partners to ensure candidates had the tools and support needed to take the leap into public service.
“The number of young people willing to step into these roles speaks volumes,” added 603 Forward Leadership Development Director Beck Kelly. “These candidates understand what’s at stake for their neighbors and their generation. By building a strong bench of prepared, community-rooted leaders, we’re helping ensure New Hampshire’s future will have leaders who are ready to meet the moment.”
Local electeds play a vital role in safeguarding democracy, protecting public education, and making decisions that directly shape daily life. 603 Forward believes investing in local leadership is one of the most powerful ways to resilient communities and a New Hampshire where everyone can thrive. Over the next month, 603 Forward will run an independent expenditure campaign to educate voters about the importance of town elections and support pro-next-generation leaders in their campaigns.
“Young people understand that we must take action now to build a better future for all Granite Staters,” Kelly concluded. “We look forward to the upcoming election on March 10th and seeing the positive impact these leaders will have on their communities.”
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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.
