Republicans have regained control of the New Hampshire State House. But a Democratic political action committee focused on getting people of color and LGBTQ candidates into office says they had some success this election.
About half of the 42 candidates supported by Our Moment won their races. That includes several first-time state representatives.
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Manny Espitia is the PAC’s co-founder and a second-term state rep. He says Republicans’ victories in the State House this year re-enforced the importance of the work the PAC is doing.
“We need to focus a lot on getting down ballot candidates, especially people of color down ballot candidates and LGBTQ candidates because we need to see them in office and we need to support them as well,” he said.
The PAC made contributions of $100 to $500 to the candidates they supported this year.
Our Moment plans on finding candidates to support in municipal races next year, with an eye towards identifying candidates who can run for state office in 2022.
“A lot of change does happen at the local level,” Espitia said. “We need good people there too, like on school boards.”
Espitia says many times people will sign up to run or will be asked to run, but don’t receive support.
“So our goal is to make sure we can support and trainings so they feel well-equipped to run for office,” Espitia said.
Republicans gained 56 seats in the house, for a 213 to 187 edge.
