In just a few short days, on Tuesday, November 7th, Manchester will hold its mayoral election. While we do not typically endorse in municipal elections, the office of Mayor of Manchester is unique in its position and influence within New Hampshire. Not only will the next mayor be responsible for the well-being of the citizens of Manchester, the largest city in the Granite State and a city currently facing an opioid and homelessness crisis on an unprecedented scale, but the office is often a stepping stone for holding higher elected office.
Because of the critical importance of this race and our knowledge of the candidates, we are happy to endorse Jay Ruais for Mayor of Manchester. Currently serving as an officer in the Army National Guard, Ruais was also a staffer for former U.S. Rep. Frank Guinta. The candidate’s key priorities include working to foster greater parental involvement in children’s education and fighting to fix the homelessness problem in Manchester, particularly through countering substance abuse and addiction. Prior to running for mayor, Jay worked with Liberty House, a sober transitional living program for homeless veterans in Manchester, and New Generation, a transitional home providing shelter and support for pregnant and parenting women. Ruais is a devout Christian who credits his own recovery from alcoholism with giving him a heart for helping those struggling with substance abuse.
His opponent, Kevin Cavanaugh, is a former Democratic state senator. While in office, he consistently voted against protections for life and religious and civil liberties. Cavanaugh holds a score of zero on our 2021-2022 Legislator Score Card.
