Going Deep: How to Run for Office in NH

(BY THOSE WHO HAVE DONE IT)

When it comes to diversity in the State Legislature and the New Hampshire Congressional delegation, most would agree the Granite State has made some strides but has a way to go. Running for office in New Hampshire is also a challenge for ethnically diverse candidates. The common thread for those who serve and those who seek elected office is a genuine love for public service and our democratic system of government.

We reached out to three New Hampshire candidates to gain more insight into how they have met the challenges on the campaign trail and in elected office. > > >

SAFIYA WAZIR

House Rep., D-Concord

Safiya Wazir, House Rep., D-Concord, said one of her biggest challenges when she ran for office was overcoming voter perception that she was a Muslim-American who would not properly represent them at the State House.

Q: As an Afghan-American woman, what are some of the biggest challenges you face at the State House to garner sufficient support for proposed legislation?

A: While running for election, I faced the challenge of being seen for my ideas and platform, rather than just as a Muslim. I heard that people saw me not as much as Afghan American but as a Muslim American. And maybe some of that carried over into my first year of office, but I’m nearing the end of my second term, and I think people see me for who I am more fully. I’ve been able to partner with many people, visit many groups and be a co-sponsor of much legislation. Sometimes I was sought out to testify on bills because of my background, not just as a former refugee but also as a young person and because of jobs I’ve held and my advocacy work. One example is when I worked with one of my mentors, the Honorable Rep. Renny Cushing, and testified on the bill to eliminate the death penalty. I brought a unique perspective, having been born in a place where state-sanctioned violence occurs and being opposed to that type of violence. My term is ending, and I’ve been so glad to be able to serve. And really, I am still serving the state of New Hampshire in other important ways.

Q: How do you best address those challenges in Concord?

A: I best address these challenges through talking to people, going to events, talking through issues and challenges, and helping formulate legislation that makes life better for everyone.

Once a bill is drafted and we’ve found co-sponsors, we testify and show people why an issue is important. I address these challenges by being involved in the process from start to finish and getting others involved. I’m always respectful and polite, but I also want my voice to be heard and want people whose voices aren’t often heard in the State House to have their ideas shared, too. It’s hard for some people, those who are at work, for example, and caring for children and the elderly, to be able to find time to get to the State House. We have to find many ways to hear diverse people’s voices on

issues. I am always encouraging people to be part of the process. When someone emails me about an issue, I will respond and work on it, but I often tell them to go to the public hearing, too, and share what they’ve told me. The more voices we hear, the better legislators can be in responding to issues. And I encourage people to register to vote, to learn about the issues and to vote. I was just at the Multicultural Festival in Concord last week, one of the many places we can come together and talk about issues and celebrate our diversity.

DR. TRINIDAD TELLEZ

House Rep., D-Manchester

Dr. Trinidad Tellez, House Rep., D-Manchester, believes that more people of color would run for the State Legislature if the job paid more than just $100 per year, which is the second lowest in the country.

Q: What are some of the ways you have tried to dispel the notion that you represent just the Latino community instead of all New Hampshire citizens?

A: Like everyone, I have multiple identities — yes, I am Latina. I am also a first-generation college student who grew up working class, as well as mother to a child with a learning disability, a caregiver daughter, wife, business owner, church-goer, musician, active community member, and 20-year resident of Manchester. Let’s remember that anyone can represent everyone! I bring over 20 years’ experience working to improve health and well-being for all people and communities — especially those who have been historically excluded and underserved — as a family physician, researcher, educator and public health practitioner. This includes 10 years of service in state government as director of the Office of Health Equity. Over the years, I’ve

learned that most of us want the same thing. We want to be able to raise our children, for them to thrive, and to have opportunities that we didn’t have. We want to be able to have good quality jobs that pay well and provide some security and peace of mind for our families. I hope to bring my lens as a person from very humble origins who’s had the privilege of higher education, to bring a voice to all working families’ needs and concerns in crafting our laws, and to assure opportunity for everyone to succeed — so that New Hampshire remains a vibrant and welcoming state. I will fight for the people of New Hampshire to assure access to quality jobs, quality schools and quality healthcare ... for all, to support the ability for all to succeed and thrive to ensure the New Hampshire advantage for generations to come.

Q: What do you believe prevents more ethnically diverse Granite Staters from seeking elected office?

A: A position that pays only $100 a year (the second lowest in the country) prevents people in most working families from being a part of the New Hampshire Legislature. There are plenty of people of color who would be excellent legislators and who are civically engaged in ways that work for them, making change in community in different ways. Let’s remember that people are more likely to take a job if they have an existing connection or network. For me, I was asked to run, and was then strongly encouraged by people I know — people who have worked in, and around, the legislative system and could offer their wisdom and guidance. And as a small business owner, I have the flexibility to accommodate the job into my schedule, as well as a very supportive husband who is blessed with a good job. As a result, I was able to step up to serve, and bring my knowledge, skills and lived experience — my unique lens — to help the NH Legislature do a better job for all the people of New Hampshire.

LILY TANG WILLIAMS

Republican 2nd Congressional District Candidate, Weare

Former Republican 2nd Congressional Candidate Lily Tang Williams said that while she was pleased with capturing 25% of the vote in the September GOP Primary, she believes her ethnicity made it harder for her to raise money for her campaign.

Q: As a Chinese-American woman, what are some of the most difficult things about running for elected office in New Hampshire?

A: Although I lost the Republican Congressional primary on Sept. 13th in district 2, I won 25% of the vote, for a very strong 3rd place finish. The most difficult thing was that I ran out of time meeting voters; too many people didn’t know me. Once people knew me, they liked me, and voted for me, including independent voters. I think this is why I did much better than predicted. I immigrated to the U.S. as a very poor 24-year-old seeking freedom and speaking very little English. I think it was hard sometimes for the voters of New Hampshire to understand me if they were not used to my Sichuan-Chinese accent. Money was a big hurdle, too. I only raised money from individual grassroots supporters, which wasn’t much considering how much PACs and Super-PACs spent on or for my opponents. I only raised $170,000 by myself by doing interviews and public speaking, with most of my donations under $200. I had no budget for TV ads, so I only did mailers, radio ads and some inexpensive social media marketing. I was out-spent by at least 4 to 1 by my two major opponents.

Q: What did you do to prepare for your run for office?

A: I consulted with some friends and supporters locally, did some research on how to file to run for U.S. Congress and the time frame to file for the New Hampshire Primary. My husband and I interviewed and hired a small local marketing company to build my campaign

website, and made a two-minute video as my campaign ad. My husband and I filed Lily4Congress Committee with the Federal Election Commission in January 2022, and applied for an EIN from the IRS, opened up a committee bank account, set up an online donation payment processor account, started a Facebook campaign page (Lily4Congress), then announced publicly to get media interviews, speaking engagements, raising money and recruiting volunteers.

Even though I ran and won an election as Supervisor of the Checklist in Weare, running for U.S. Congress was a totally different experience. It required an almost full-time commitment, lots of hard work and strong family support. I enjoyed it, though, especially meeting people from all walks of life in the Granite State. I am grateful for so many donors and volunteers who supported me. I hope more minorities will get involved in politics and fight the good fight.