New Hampshire should welcome responsible innovation and economic development. But projects with extraordinary electricity and water demands and potential community impacts must be evaluated carefully, transparently and locally.

Data centers fall squarely into that category.

What does it say about New Hampshire’s future when nearly one in four Granite Staters is considering leaving the state within the next five years?

It says our economy is flashing a warning sign. From dirt roads and small towns, working families and seniors are feeling the same squeeze — New Hampshire is becoming harder to afford — and for too many people, harder to call home.

Every January, I join my neighbors at our local school district annual meeting. We debate budgets, ask tough questions and vote on what we believe our children’s education is worth.

In 2025, more than 1,500 people packed in the Kearsarge Regional School District’s annual Deliberative Session. It was the largest turnout anyone could remember. One question dominated: Should we cap school spending?

The answer wasn’t close: 92% of voters rejected the proposal.

New Hampshire is at a pivotal moment, with rising property taxes, financial strain on families and seniors, and stagnant economic growth threatening the “New Hampshire Advantage” of limited government, fiscal responsibility, local control, and individual opportunity, and it is time for leaders to make thoughtful decisions to ensure a resilient future for future generations.

ANDOVER -- Rebecca Harned, candidate for New Hampshire's 7th Senate District, announced her policy priorities for her 2026 campaign at a fundraiser in Andover.

Rebecca Harned, a working mom, research scientist, and member of the Kearsarge Regional School District Municipal Budget Committee, today announced her campaign for New Hampshire State Senate in District 7, pledging to focus on lowering costs for families and bringing responsible leadership back to Concord.