The Path to the Presidency
As a key state in the nominating process, New Hampshire receives a great deal of attention from Presidential candidates and campaigns.
Join the DPU as we seek to bring candidates to discuss their vision for the country, how they plan to win, and answer questions from students.
Path to the Presidency Events
Representative Dean Phillips (D-MN)
Monday, November 13
Student Meet and Greet, 3:30-4:30 PM, Moore 110
Talk and Q&A, 5:00-6:00 PM
Filene Auditorium
Dean Benson Phillips, born on January 20, 1969, is an American businessman and politician who has served as the U.S. Representative from Minnesota's 3rd congressional district since 2019. A member of the Democratic Party, Phillips, with a background in business, owns and has founded several successful ventures, including the Phillips Distilling Company, Talenti gelato, and Penny's Coffee. In the 2018 elections, Phillips achieved a notable victory by flipping the traditionally Republican district, defeating the six-term incumbent Erik Paulsen. Known for his centrist and moderate Democratic approach, he has consistently shown a commitment to bipartisan governance, as evidenced by his ranking of 27th out of 435 members for bipartisanship during the start of his first term in 2019, according to the McCourt School of Public Policy at Georgetown University. Additionally, his 100% alignment with President Joe Biden's public policy positions, as per FiveThirtyEight's congressional vote tracker, indicates his liberal stance within the 117th Congress. With a net worth of $77 million in 2018, Phillips is recognized as one of the wealthiest members of Congress and has recently announced his intent to challenge President Biden for the Democratic Party's nomination in the 2024 presidential election.
Governor Chris Christie
Thursday, November 2
Talk and Q&A, 5:00-6:00 PM
Hinman Forum, Rockefeller Center
Chris Christie, New Jersey's 55th Governor, took office on January 19, 2010, and secured re-election with 60% of the vote in 2013. During his tenure, Christie tackled significant challenges through bipartisan cooperation, implementing reforms to restore fiscal integrity and accountability in government, reduce property taxes, and reform the pension and health benefits system. He also championed public education improvements and school choice, addressing the opioid crisis, and played a pivotal role in the state's recovery from Superstorm Sandy. As a prominent figure in the Republican Party, he served as a keynote speaker at the 2012 and 2016 Republican National Conventions and was elected Chairman of the Republican Governors Association in 2014. In 2017, he led the President's Commission on Combating Drug Addiction and the Opioid Crisis. Prior to his governorship, Christie served as the U.S. Attorney for the District of New Jersey from 2002 to 2008, focusing on political corruption and anti-terrorism efforts. A lifelong New Jerseyan, he was born in Newark, raised in Livingston, and has always maintained a deep commitment to his home state.
Governor Doug Burgum
Thursday, October 12
Talk and Q&A, 5:00-6:00 PM
Hinman Forum, Rockefeller Center
Doug Burgum, North Dakota's 33rd governor since December 15, 2016, is known for his business-minded approach to diversifying the state's economy, fostering 21st-century jobs, and revitalizing local communities. Under his leadership, North Dakota has achieved remarkable economic success, boasting the fifth-highest GDP per capita nationally, ranking second in energy production per capita, and maintaining one of the lowest unemployment rates in the country. Governor Burgum's tenure has driven innovation in key sectors such as energy, agriculture, and technology. He has also focused on improving state-tribal relations, championed tax relief, led educational transformations, and advocated for mental health support and addiction recovery. A product of a small-town upbringing and agricultural roots, Governor Burgum's values center on respect for the past, gratitude for the present, and inspiration for the future. Elected in 2016 and reelected in 2020, he continues to shape North Dakota's future with his visionary leadership.
Marianne Williamson
Monday, October 3
Talk and Q&A, 5:00-6:00 PM
Hinman Forum, Rockefeller Center
Marianne Williamson, a notable American author, spiritual leader, and activist, has made waves in both the literary and political realms. Recognized for her distinctive blend of spiritual wisdom and political insight, Williamson first entered the political spotlight by running for the Democratic nomination in the 2020 presidential election. Her platform focused on progressive policies, advocating for healthcare reform, economic justice, and climate change mitigation, all informed by her holistic and compassionate approach to governance.
In a bold move, Williamson is once again challenging President Joe Biden for the Democratic nomination in the 2024 election. Her renewed bid demonstrates her unwavering commitment to her vision for a more just and equitable society. As a thought-provoking figure who bridges the realms of spirituality and politics, Marianne Williamson continues to contribute significantly to the national discourse on issues of profound importance.
Former Governor of Arkansas Asa Hutchinson
Tuesday, August 8
Coffee Meet and Greet, 2:00-3:30 PM
1930 Room, Rockefeller Center
Talk and Q&A, 5:00-6:00 PM Hinman Forum, Rockefeller Center
Student Dinner, 6:30-7:30 PM
Morrison Commons
Governor Asa Hutchinson served as the 46th Governor of the State of Arkansas. In 2018, he was re-elected with 65 percent of the vote, having received more votes than any other Republican candidate for governor in the State’s history. Asa Hutchinson’s time as governor is distinguished by his success in securing over $700 million per year in tax cuts, safeguarding the retirement pay of veterans from state income tax, shrinking the size of state government, creating over 100,000 new jobs, and leading a national initiative to increase computer science education.
On April 2, 2023, Governor Hutchinson announced his candidacy for the 2024 Republican Party presidential primaries.
Former Congressman Will Hurd
Thursday, July 20, 2023
Talk and Q&A, 5:00-6:00 PM
Hinman Forum, Rockefeller Center
Student Dinner, 6:30-7:30 PM
Morrison Commons
Rep. Hurd will lay out his policy vision for the country, discuss his presidential campaign, and take questions from the audience. After serving as an undercover officer in the CIA, and in Congress from 2015 to 2021, Rep. Hurd launched his campaign for the Republican presidential nomination on June 22, 2023.
Will Hurd was most recently a managing director at Allen & Company and former member of Congress, cybersecurity executive, and undercover officer in the CIA. For almost two decades he’s been involved in the most pressing national security issues challenging the country whether it was in the back-alleys of dangerous places, boardrooms of top international businesses or halls of Congress. After stopping terrorists, preventing Russian spies from stealing our secrets, and putting nuclear weapons proliferators out of business, Will helped build a cybersecurity company that prepared businesses for the next domain of conflict – cyberspace. While in Congress, Texas Monthly and Politico Magazine called Will “The Future of the GOP,” because he put good policy over good politics at a time when America was often consumed with what divides us rather than what unites us. He was able to get more legislation signed into law in three terms than most congressmen do in three decades – substantive legislation like a national strategy for Artificial Intelligence.