Frequently Asked Questions

Is this a real political party?

It will be. Under NH law (RSA 652:11), a political organization becomes a recognized party when its gubernatorial candidate gets at least 4% of the general election vote. Jon Kiper’s 2026 campaign is our path to party status. Every vote above 4% is an investment in making Community First permanent.

What does “Community First” actually mean?

It means money and power should flow from communities upward — not from corporations and party bosses downward. It means your town’s economy should serve the people who live there. It means every policy decision gets measured against one question: does this help the community, or does it help someone extract from the community?

Are you left-wing or right-wing?

Neither. If you had to put a label on it, the closest thing is probably libertarian socialism — we believe in personal freedom and community investment at the same time. But honestly, most of our positions are just common sense that doesn’t fit neatly into either party’s box. Pro-Second Amendment. Pro-universal healthcare. Anti-surveillance state. Pro-community investment. The two parties force you to pick a side. We don’t.

Aren’t you going to spoil the election?

Cinde Warmington already trails Ayotte 46–39% head-to-head. She’s not winning that race regardless. The real question is whether expanding the electorate with voters who wouldn’t have shown up for either major candidate can change the math. We think it can. And even if it doesn’t this cycle, establishing a permanent Community First party changes the math for every cycle after.

Why does Jon keep switching parties?

Because he spent three years trying to find a home for Community First Economics inside a system that doesn’t want it. His platform hasn’t changed once. Read the full story on our Why a New Party page.

What about AI and automation?

This is the issue no one else is talking about. AI will eliminate millions of jobs in the next decade — not just blue collar, but white collar too. We’re the only party in NH preparing for that reality: socialized housing so job loss doesn’t mean homelessness, universal healthcare decoupled from employment, UBI funded by automation’s productivity gains, and an automation tax that makes companies contribute to the communities they’re disrupting.

Do I have to leave my party to support you?

No. You can sign the petition, donate, and vote for Jon in the general election regardless of your registration.

How do I sign the petition?

We need 3,000 signatures from registered NH voters — 1,500 from each congressional district. Sign at our events, at our Newmarket HQ, or request a form through the website.

How is this different from Forward Party or No Labels?

Those are centrist coalitions funded by wealthy donors who want to split the difference between two broken parties. We’re not centrists. We have a specific economic philosophy, a published book, and a commitment to working-class power. We don’t want the middle ground between corporate Democrats and corporate Republicans. We want to replace the whole framework.

Can I run for office as Community First?

Yes. Once we achieve party status (4% in 2026), Community First candidates get on future ballots. We’re already building a candidate network. Visit Run With Us.