General Election Debates: A Community Message

October 06, 2026

Graphic for 2026 general election debates at New England College in Henniker, NH

Dear New England College community,

One of the hallmarks of New Hampshire is our tradition of civic engagement. At New England College, we believe that tradition is an important part of our educational mission and that meaningful participation in our democracy begins with being informed, asking questions, listening to different perspectives, and engaging in respectful dialogue.

I am pleased to announce that NEC will host the Live Free or Die Debates for New Hampshire’s 1st and 2nd Congressional District seats, and we are sponsoring the New Hampshire Gubernatorial Debate together with NHPR. I invite you to attend.

Live Free or Die Debate: 1st Congressional District
Candidates: Anthony DiLorenzo (R) and Stefany Shaheen (D)
Monday, October 19, at 7:00 p.m.
Doors open at 6:30 p.m.
Rosamond Page Putnam Center for the Performing Arts
10 Weare Road, Henniker, NH 03242
Register to Attend

Live Free or Die Debate: 2nd Congressional District
Candidates: Maggie Goodlander (D) and Lily Tang Williams (R)
Tuesday, October 20, at 7:00 p.m.
Doors open at 6:30 p.m.
Rosamond Page Putnam Center for the Performing Arts
10 Weare Road, Henniker, NH 03242
Register to Attend

New Hampshire Gubernatorial Debate Hosted by NHPR
Candidates: Kelly Ayotte (R) and Cinde Warmington (D)
Thursday, October 22, at 6:00 p.m.
Doors open at 5:00 p.m.
Harpoon Brewery, 215 Canal Street, Manchester, NH 03101
Register to Attend.

These events provide our community with an opportunity to hear directly from the candidates about the issues facing New Hampshire and our nation. It is also an opportunity to demonstrate what civic engagement looks like in practice: bringing people with different perspectives together for thoughtful, substantive discussion.

I encourage members of our entire College community to attend, listen, ask questions, and take part in this important civic experience. Whether you are deeply engaged in politics or simply interested in learning more about the candidates and the issues, I hope you will join us.

At New England College, we believe that preparing students to participate thoughtfully in the world around them is an essential part of a college education. Events like this reflect that commitment and our long tradition of civic engagement.

I look forward to seeing you there.

Warm regards,

Signature of Dr. Wayne F. Lesperance, Jr., president of New England College.