Listening, Learning, and Building On-Ramps
Last night, Carleigh attended a listening session at the University of New Hampshire, organized by State Rep. Loren Selig and UNH students. Both in-state and out-of-state students showed up to share what’s on their minds — from the cost of education to the cost of staying in New Hampshire after graduation.
Students talked about friends who left the state because college was more affordable elsewhere and about how hard it is to picture building a future here when housing and basic living costs feel out of reach. They also shared something that resonated deeply: a desire for feedback loops with their elected officials and real conversations about what’s being done — not just what can’t be done because of gridlock in Concord.
Carleigh went to listen. Because this campaign is about creating on-ramps — making politics accessible to everyone, not just those who already feel invited in.
The truth is, the worries those students voiced aren’t unique to their generation. Carleigh hears the same thing from parents, teachers, nurses, and retirees across the district: New Hampshire isn’t affordable or accessible for working families, for young people just starting out, or for seniors trying to stay rooted in the communities they’ve built.
With a volunteer legislature, most of the state’s lawmakers are of retirement age — and that has real consequences for how responsive our government can be to the needs of working people. We need more young people to run, serve, and participate in shaping New Hampshire’s future.
If you’re interested in getting involved, reach out to your town committee here. Granite Staters under 50 who want to run for local office can also find training, resources, and coaching through 603 Forward. And for those who want to learn more about taking direct action in their communities, Rep. Wendy Thomas has put together a toolkit with tangible ways to make a difference.
And if you just want to talk — about what’s happening in your community, what keeps you up at night, or how to get started — Carleigh is always available.
Email: carleigh@carleighberiont.com
New Hampshire is an incredible place to live, work, and study — but we need to make sure it’s affordable, accessible, and representative of everyone who calls it home.