Through my Daughter’s Eyes

Siralina just started a unit on immigration at school in Hampton.

My seven-(and three quarters!)-year-old daughter, Siralina, joined me for a couple stops on the campaign trail yesterday, and having her by my side helped me see this campaign in a new light. Yes, we face daunting challenges and this is a dangerous moment for our country and the world. At the same time, there is joy in connecting with so many people, and the opportunity to learn and grow each day is a true gift.

On Monday, Siralina came home from school, excited to tell me about their new unit on immigration in her second grade class at Centre School. They are learning about the ways in which immigration has shaped our country and why so many millions of people have come to America in search of a better life.

Perfect! I thought. I was planning to head over to Manchester on Tuesday morning for the monthly Jericho walk, and Siralina could come with me and learn about how members of our community are showing up to support immigrants and their families right here in NH.

When we arrived, an April snow squall had just blown in. Members of the faith community and immigration justice activists gathered in a circle and introduced themselves while the snow fell. We sang songs and prayed for justice for our immigrant neighbors and friends.

Immigration justice activists gathered outside the Norris Cotton Federal Building in Manchester for our monthly Jericho walk.

I was so proud when Siralina stepped forward and confidently introduced herself. She beamed when one of the activists, Martin, told her that he thought I was doing a good job in this campaign.

After the introductions and singing, we walked seven times around the building—an allusion to the story of Joshua and the Israelites from the Hebrew Bible. It was an especially poignant moment to take these steps with my daughter and alongside the friends I have made over the last year of gathering, praying, marching, and singing. When I asked Siralina afterwards what her highlight was, she said: “marching with you!”

I dropped Siralina off back at school and headed home to meet with my team, answer emails, and make some phone calls. Later that afternoon, it was time to head to a forum in Portsmouth.

Eric and the kids had baked bread and decorated a box full of stickers, buttons, and treats to hand out as guests arrived. They drove ahead to get a good spot by the door while I wrapped things up at home and put the finishing touches on my preparation.

Siralina and Linden rushed to meet me as I arrived in Portsmouth.

When I arrived, Siralina and our son, Linden, spotted me walking in with one of my supporters, Kathy, and sprinted to greet me. I’m always a little nervous that when people see me juggling kids and the campaign they will think being a mom of young kids, a local elected official, and a candidate for Congress is too much. The truth is that the kids keep me grounded, and serve as a daily reminder of why we are all working so hard to improve our government and help people.

I went inside to talk to attendees before the program began while Siralina stood outside with Eric asking people, “would you like some sourdough bread? My dad baked it.”

Siralina, Linden, and Eric had my friend and colleague on the Select Board, Don Bliss, to help them, and Siralina made sure to keep him on task, handing him a clipboard with a volunteer sign up sheet. It reminded me of the days when Siralina was just eighteen months old and would work the selfie-line at Elizabeth Warren for President events with me and Eric.

Eric and the kids baked bread and decorated a “bread box” to hand out treats to supporters on their way into the forum.

I’ll be honest: Siralina and Linden spent most of the forum on the PBS Kids app on our iPad, while Eric darted between the forum and the back room where they were huddled around the screen.

The forum itself was packed! Over 350 people were there to hear from the candidates, and I was excited to look out at the audience and see the faces of so many friends, supporters, and volunteers I have met over the last ten months.

After the forum crowd dispersed, I stayed to talk with a few lingering guests. Siralina and Linden came bounding back into the auditorium and sprinted around a guest to give me lively hugs. Getting a hug from Siralina, at seven-and-three-quarters and one of the tallest kids in her class can feel a little bit like a full-contact sport, but as she and Linden clung to my coat, I felt connected to them and so many of the other families hanging on and holding out hope for leaders that are truly willing to put their needs first in government.

I think some parents might hesitate before bringing their kids out on the campaign trail. Politics can be intense and divisive, and the tone in 2026 is often embittered and combative, but having kids nearby is a reminder that, at its core, politics is about community, listening, and trust.

Waking up and pouring a bowl of cereal for our son before he rushes out the door for Pre-K with Eric, or walking Siralina to the bus stop and standing with our neighbors until the school bus arrives, helps remind me that there are kids watching us every step of the way. Every speech, every email, every conversation with a voter is a chance to show them that campaigns, politics, and government can be welcoming, collaborative, and fun.

Over 350 people packed the Portsmouth Senior Center to meet the candidates in the NH-01 Democratic Primary.

I have another forum tonight, but the kids and Eric won’t be there. Siralina has her second grade concert at the Hampton Academy, and after singing the songs together around the dinner table last night, she reminded us that “tomorrow night is all about me!”