NH Democratic candidates for governor coming to Exeter for public forum

EXETER — Democratic candidates for governor of New Hampshire will face questions Sunday from high school students and the public.

Students from five New Hampshire schools (Phillips Exeter Academy, Oyster River High School, Raymond High School, Nashua North and Nashua South High Schools) are welcoming the Democratic gubernatorial candidates to the historic Exeter Town Hall on Sunday, May 5 at 2 p.m. for a forum where students and community members will have the chance to ask questions.

The forum will feature the candidates one by one. The students pulled straws to decide the order of the candidates: Newmarket resident and restaurant owner Jon Kiper will lead off, followed by Executive Councilor Cinde Warmington and former Manchester Mayor Joyce Craig.

The forum, which is expected to end by 4 p.m., is free and open to the public. The three candidates are competing for the Democratic nomination in the state's Sept. 10 primary. The winner will advance to the Nov. 5 general election ballot.

Exeter Democrats town chairman Frederick "‘Skip"’ Berrien approached Exeter resident and mother Karishma Manzur about creating the event a couple of months ago. She brought it to various high schools, where about a dozen students were interested. From there, the students organized the event, from finding the venue to reaching out to campaigns to publicizing it.

Students will ask questions on issues that matter to their generation, said Manzur, including the climate crisis, reproductive rights, the high cost of living, and demographic changes in New Hampshire. If there is time after the student questions, community members will also have a chance to ask questions.

More: Craig and Warmington seek Democratic nomination for governor. What voters need to know.

Manzur said the students have become more interested and active in the political process throughout this experience. Some are 18 and will be voting for the first time this year. She hopes the event will inspire others to help increase youth engagement.

There is no Republican forum planned yet, but Manzur said she and the students are interested and hope to connect with the local Republican Party.

More: Jonny Boston’s restaurant owner running for NH governor to be 'a voice' for middle class

This article originally appeared on Portsmouth Herald: NH Democratic candidates for governor coming to Exeter public forum