CONCORD, NH – The New Hampshire Forum, a new statewide civic engagement initiative dedicated to elevating the voices of everyday Granite Staters, was officially launched today during a press conference in Concord featuring prominent leaders from both major political parties.
The New Hampshire Forum will bring together thousands of Granite Staters from across the state through a structured public engagement process that blends technology-driven tools with in-person, face-to-face discussions to identify the issues residents care about most. Community discussions will continue through the spring and summer of 2026, building toward a statewide civic assembly in the fall that will deliver clear recommendations to state legislators ahead of the 2027 legislative session.
Underscoring the initiative’s bipartisan approach, the press conference opened with remarks from two prominent leaders from New Hampshire’s major political parties – former Democratic State Senate President Donna Soucy and former Republican State Representative and former Londonderry Town Manager Kevin Smith – who serve as co-chairs of The New Hampshire Forum.
Former State Senate President Donna Soucy shared, “In an era when political discourse is often dominated by negativity, providing a welcoming environment where residents can engage in meaningful discussions about the issues that matter most to them is both empowering and inspiring. This vision is what initially motivated me to co-chair the New Hampshire Forum, as the initiative naturally reflects the state’s proud tradition of town meetings and neighborly dialogue focused on addressing shared concerns.”
Kevin Smith, Republican Co-Chair said, “I’m honored to serve as co-chair of the New Hampshire Forum, an initiative that brings thoughtful people of all political stripes together to engage in meaningful and respectful dialogue on the issues shaping our communities. At a time when people are exhausted with the polarization, extremism and performative politics that too often prevent real progress, I’m excited to be working alongside other like-minded Democrats, Republicans and Independents to help foster a platform that elevates diverse perspectives, encourages productive conversation, and focuses on getting things done for the citizens of New Hampshire.”
“We’ve seen performative politics take center stage while the common-sense solutions and problem-solving we need, remain just out of reach. As a legislator, I’ve seen how individual voices can be easy to dismiss—but when we stand together, we become impossible to ignore,” said State Senator Tara Reardon, Democrat from Concord. “The New Hampshire Forum is about people, not parties. We are building “one table” where everyone gets a seat, and a voice to share what they love about this state—from our close-knit communities and tradition of civic involvement to the pristine natural resources that make New Hampshire unique.”
State Senator Denise Ricciardi, Republican from Bedford, added, “ This opportunity aligns perfectly with the work I’ve focused on throughout my six years in office – listening to constituents, addressing the issues that affect their daily lives, and delivering practical solutions. The New Hampshire Forum creates a vital space for those conversations, and I’m proud to support its work. This is the beginning of something big and long overdue.”
Also speaking was State Representative Dan Veillieux, a Democrat from Amherst, who explained what attracted him to this effort, “What stood out to me right away is that this isn’t about pushing a single agenda—it’s about working with a bipartisan group and actually listening to people across the state to find where there’s real opportunity to make a difference.”
“As both a State Representative and a Mayor, I see how important it is to listen to people and work collaboratively to solve problems,” said Republican State Representative and Laconia Mayor, Mike Bordes. “The New Hampshire Forum creates a platform where voices from across our state can come together and help shape meaningful solutions to the issues that matter most.”
“Too often, the loudest voices get the most attention in our politics,” said Andrew Shue, founder of The New Hampshire Forum. “But when people are given the time and structure to listen to one another, real understanding can happen. New Hampshire is uniquely positioned to show that there’s a better way to bring citizens together.”
For more information and to learn how to get involved visit: https://nhforum.us