Jonah Wheeler, now 22 years old, was barely out of high school when he was first elected to the New Hampshire state legislature representing the Peterborough area. He is going to tell us his story to demystify the process of getting elected. His grassroots approach involved talking friend to friend, neighbor to neighbor. People listened to him. And he won the election. Running at the state or local level doesn’t require big money, Wheeler says. You could do it yourself!
His motivation to run, Wheeler says, was that he wants the government to represent the people. He said he thought, “I could either sit back and opine about how that was far from the reality – or I could put myself out in my community to see if they agreed.”
He was re-elected in 2024 and now serves on the Environment and Agriculture Committee.
Moderator: Phil Runyon
Music: Grove Street
Childcare Available: The Lyceum is partnering with PUUC to provide free childcare for two speakers this season. On July 27th and August 13th, 2025, childcare and art activities will be provided in the UU Nest by adult volunteers who have completed background checks, in compliance with PUUC's Safe Child policy. The play rooms - located in The UU Nest - are accessible through the northwest (back left) exit of the sanctuary, down the stairs and to the right. Children are welcome to arrive from 10am so that they have time to settle in before caregivers enjoy the pre-speaker music. Pick-up is following the closure of the post-speaker reception. We hope your little ones will enjoy a playful morning while you are engaged, inspired, and informed!
