Loren Selig, State Representative Candidate In Durham

Loren Selig

Age (as of Election Day)

53

Position sought (including district number if applicable)

Strafford County District 10 State Rep (Durham)

Party Affiliation

Democrat

Family

Husband: Todd; Children: Zoe & Gabi; Dogs: Scout (goldendoodle) and Jazzy (terrier mix)

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?

Todd is the Town Manager in Durham

Education

BA: Clark University; MAT: The Johns Hopkins University; CAGS: The University of Maryland-Baltimore County

Occupation

Real Estate Sales agent- 12 years; Previously I worked for a year at Avis Goodwin Community Health as a volunteer coordinator/event planner, fundraising assistant. Before that I worked for UNH as a supervisor of Teaching Interns and before that I was a secondary school English teacher in Columbia, Maryland.

Previous or Current Elected or Appointed Office

None

Campaign website

www.LorenSelig4NH.com

Why are you seeking elective office?

I am running for office to amplify the voices of the underrepresented, to support public education and teachers, to champion smart gun control legislation, and to protect women's bodily autonomy.

The single most pressing issue facing our (board, district, etc.) is _______, and this is what I intend to do about it.

The single most pressing issue facing the New Hampshire State Legislature is that there are many currently elected officials who seem to have as their mission the goal of dismantling our government, our democracy, and our public education system. I intend to work for smart legislation to protect our rights, to fund education, and to work towards collaborative solutions to meet the needs of all New Hampshire residents.

What are the critical differences between you and the other candidates seeking this post?

There are 5 democrats running for the 4 seats in our primary. Three are incumbents with anywhere from 4 to more than 20 years in the legislature. The other new candidate comes from the world of private industry. I have spent my life working in service to others, even in my work as a real estate agent. My goal is always to find ways to take care of others and to help people be successful. I had a choice between teaching at two very different high schools and chose the one with the reputation for kids being "harder" though the reality was they were simply the kids who had fewer financial supports and the ones where I could make more of a difference as a teacher.

I am also someone who has always stood up for the rights of others and who has spoken passionately about the issues I think are important.

I think the other candidates are all great people with different skills to offer and whomever of us get elected will do great work.

If you are a challenger, in what way has the current board or officeholder failed the community (or district or constituency)

Describe the other issues that define your campaign platform.

As a State Representative, I will Champion the voices of the Under-represented and Marginalized; Protect the Right to Vote and to Women’s Rights to Choose; Advocate for Smart Gun Control and Access to Medical and Mental Health Care; and Work hard to Save the Environment and our Public Education System.

I am dedicated to Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion, Black Lives Matter, and giving Free Mom Hugs. My professional life has been committed to service, whether in my years as a teacher, working in community health, or as a real estate agent. I volunteer with civic and religious organizations, schools, community groups, and local theatre organizations.

What accomplishments in your past would you cite as evidence you can handle this job?

As a teacher in a large school district and a large school, I was tasked with also chairing the in-house staff development committee. This meant that I was responsible for planning and coordinating training for my peers as well as teachers who had decades more experience than I did. Not only was I successful, but also, the sessions were well attended and applauded. I was able to find the needs, meet them, and create excellent programs.

I have applied those same skills in my work as a realtor, as a volunteer with multiple organizations, and as a parent.

The best advice ever shared with me was:

Some moments might be endless, but the years pass by in a blink. Treasure the good moments.

What else would you like voters to know about yourself and your positions?

As a parent of 2 teenagers, I have been a volunteer in the schools, an advocate for high quality education, and school safety. When plans for a new middle school were being drawn, I pushed the school board to focus on school safety. After discussions about lock-down drills and ALICE (Active shooter drills) with my children, I doubled down on my passion for fighting for smart gun control laws and access to mental health care.

Additionally, I have always been and continue to be an advocate for equal rights, supporting Black Lives Matter, the AAPI community, Indigenous Rights, LGBTQIA rights, and for giving Free Mom Hugs. I will bring these passions and skills to the State House and hope you will support me in this journey.