Following yesterday’s Town Elections, a new generation of leaders is stepping into public service across the Granite State.

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 municipal elections approach in 11 New Hampshire cities, this year’s candidate filings underscore 603 Forward’s ongoing work: developing a growing, diverse pipeline of young leaders who are stepping up to serve their communities.

Forward Fest honors the everyday act of stepping up, listening, and making a difference where you are. Honorees were chosen from a competitive group of nominees who listen to community hopes or concerns and organize into action. From State Representatives to nonprofit leaders, parents to grassroots organizers, these honorees reflect the next generation of leadership shaping New Hampshire's future.

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.

For the fourth consecutive year, 603 Forward led a comprehensive, state-wide program to recruit, train, and empower next-generation local leaders.

603 Forward invests in recruiting, training, and electing young leaders to state office