On Monday, former State Senator Jay Kahn announced his candidacy for mayor of Keene.
Kahn, a seasoned public servant, community volunteer and higher education leader and nearly
four-decade resident of Keene, launched his campaign at the Historical Society of Cheshire County on
Monday before a crowd of supporters and neighbors.
“I am proud to formally announce my campaign for Keene’s mayor,” said Kahn. “Strong leadership and
advocacy are crucial as we plan for our city’s future. Safety, housing, workforce, infrastructure, and
community engagement are among our top priorities as we launch this campaign.”
Kahn, formerly a three-term New Hampshire State Senator, has previously sat on Keene’s City Council,
served as both Vice President and interim President for Keene State College, served Chairman of the
Board of a number of community organizations, including the Cheshire Medical Center and currently
holds seats on several boards serving the region and state.
“Service is a deeply held value for Jay. When we served on the Cheshire Medical Center Board he said
‘Service makes your world bigger’,” said Sylvia McBeth of Keene. “Jay’s candidacy is not a stepping stone
to higher political office, but a true desire to find solutions for the important issues facing Keene. Jay is
smart, analytical and a listener. He was one of the most consequential state senators we have had in our
region. Jay will be an exceptional mayor.”
“I’m proud to have built a career on leading teams to accomplish big goals and deliver results for our
neighbors, whether in city hall, at Keene State or in Concord,” Kahn added. “This campaign is about
getting things done for our city and I’m so excited to get to work.”
“I have known Jay for years and served with him on the Keene City Council,” said Carl Jacobs of Keene.
“Jay successfully led building projects during his time at Keene State College. His experience will serve us
well as the city contemplates major downtown public works projects.”
Joining in support of Kahn is former mayor Kendall Lane. “I am thrilled that Jay has decided to enter the
race for mayor,” said Lane, former four-term mayor of Keene. “He demonstrated his commitment to the
community during his service as our state senator and he will make an excellent mayor. We will be proud
to have him represent us.”
Keene’s primary election will be held on October 3, 2023, and the general election on November 7, 2023.
Visit www.keenenh.gov to find voter registration information, and polling locations.
For more information, volunteer, or to contact the Kahn for Mayor team, visit kahnformayor.com. To
donate to Kahn’s mayoral campaign, visit actblue.com/donate/kahn-for-mayor.