Enthusiasm running high for New Hampshire DNC delegation

New Hampshire Democrats are excited to be in Chicago for the Democratic National Convention. For many, this is their first time serving as delegates to the DNC. 

For an overwhelming number of New Hampshire’s delegates, this week’s trip to Chicago for the 2024 Democratic National Convention is a first for many members.

Samay Sahu, a 20 year old Dartmouth student and Hanover native, told The Granite Post on Wednesday that the trip to Chicago has been a surreal experience getting to witness Vice President Kamala Harris becoming the first South Asian and Black woman to receive the Democratic Party’s nomination for President of the United States. 

“It’s been so surreal to be part of this historic, historic convention,” Sahu said. “I remember seeing Barack Obama accept the nomination for the first time so many years ago, and that was my first political memory.”

“Now, as a South Asian, getting to be part of the roll call vote yesterday to give our delegates to Kamala Harris, who’s going to be the first South Asian female and Black president. It’s been so amazing, so surreal.”

The New Hampshire delegation kicked off their Wednesday by gathering for breakfast inside a cramped conference room inside the Westin Hotel and were treated to local and national political figures such as Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro, New Jersey Gov. Phill Murphy and Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison.

RELATED: Two NH polls show Harris with a big lead over Trump in the Granite State

“I want you to know that I could not be more proud to support [Kamala Harris and Tim Walz] … You could not have a clearer contrast in this race,” Shapiro, who was elected in 2022, told the delegates.

“Harris, as you know – and I’m a former prosecutor like her – she is for the people. That is what you say when you walk into court. That is what she said when she walked into her senate office, and that is what she said every day as vice president.”

Following his speech, Shapiro greeted members of the delegation by taking selfies and signing autographs for the members. 

Maxine Mosely, a retired 40-year public school teacher from Manchester, was one of the delegates who met with Shapiro following his short speech and she said her experience has been indescribable.

“It’s been unbelievable,” Moseley said. 

“My level of excitement was high coming in and my level of just positive energy about this election, I am now way above that. I can’t even describe in words about how I feel about us going forward and the great stuff that’s going to happen to this country.”

Moseley is especially excited about Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz joining Harris as her running mate on the Democratic ticket.

“I know everybody keeps saying coach, coach, coach, but he’s a public school educator,” Moseley said. 

“He’s a teacher in the classroom. He understands what educators are going through and what we need in our educational system to really offer the best opportunity for all of our children and to look at the funding issues for all children no matter where their zip code is.”