Young Republicans in New Hampshire are actively engaged in the political discourse surrounding the upcoming election cycle. Virginia Dry, the chair of the New Hampshire Young Republicans, has shed light on the issues that young Republicans are most concerned about.
According to Dry, young Republicans share many of the same issues as their older counterparts. These include social security, the environment, the economy, border control, and national security. Despite some minor differences of opinion, such as on environmental policies, young Republicans generally align with the conservative agenda of the older generation.
The environment has become an important topic for young Republicans, and they are voicing their concerns to candidates during campaign events. Dry highlighted that her group organized a roundtable discussion with several presidential candidates. This roundtable covered not only the environment but also the economy and education, which are the key issues that young voters prioritize when going to the polls.
When it comes to candidate appeal, Dry stated that all Republican candidates are seen as appealing to young voters, as the Democratic nominee, Joe Biden, is not on the ballot. Young Republicans have been actively engaging on social media and interacting with the candidates during New Hampshire's first-in-the-nation primary.
The age of the candidates has also been a topic of discussion. Nikki Haley's proposal that politicians and lawmakers over the age of 75 should take a mental competency test before seeking another term in office has garnered attention. However, Dry emphasized that young voters have diverse preferences when it comes to candidate age. For many, it is more important to focus on the topics and solutions that candidates bring forth rather than their age.
Notably absent from the top concerns for young Republicans are gun violence in schools and the abortion debate. Dry explained that these topics are largely discussed at the state level, with young Republicans focusing more on state-oriented discussions. However, it is important to note that these issues still hold significance for young Republicans and may come into play in their voting decisions.
Overall, young Republicans in New Hampshire are actively participating in the political conversation, voicing their concerns, and engaging with candidates on a range of issues. With a strong emphasis on the economy, education, and the environment, these young voters are playing a crucial role in shaping the Republican Party's agenda in the upcoming election.
