Look for Mowers, city mayoral hopefuls to do a little politicking at Porchfest

From left, U.S. Rep. 1st District hopeful Matt Mowers, Rochester mayoral hopeful Paul Callaghan and city school board members Matt Beaulieu and Sarah Harrington at a get-together at Potter's Bakery in Rochester earlier this month. (Rochester Voice photo)

ROCHESTER - Porchfest, tomorrow's musical extravaganza in the downtown, is purely a time to hang out and enjoy dozens of musical groups and solo acts in a relaxed atmosphere, a joyous chance to escape the rigors of daily life during an event that is free to the public.

Don't be surprised if you see some politicking, too.

1^st Congressional Republican candidate Matt Mowers, who was defeated by Democrat Chris Pappas in the 2020 general elections will be back for the event for the second time, he told The Rochester Voice at a campaign stop earlier this month.

Mowers, seen now as the favorite to win the Republican primary next year, said he is getting into the race much earlier this time around and expects to do better now that COVID protocols are more relaxed.

"Last time I didn't get in till January (2020)," he said while visiting Potter's Bakery on Chestnut Hill Road in Rochester. "This time I'll be getting out there in every coffee shop, barbershop and bar and get a chance to speak with more people. I think my message will have more time to resonate."

Mayoral candidate Palana Hunt-Hawkins ... she'll perform at Porchfest

Mowers' biggest opponent in the primary in 2020 was Dover's Matt Mayberry, who is now executive director of the New Hampshire Home Builders Association and won't be running, he told The Voice recently.

Also at Porchfest will be local mayoral candidates Paul Callaghan, a lifelong city resident and prosecutor at the Strafford County Sheriff's Department; and Palana Hunt-Hawkins, a Rochester Ward 2 City Councilor, who advocates for the homeless and drug using community and works in the food service industry.

A third mayoral candidate, Cassandra Borne, has not confirmed whether she will be there or not.

Politicking might not be foremost on Hunt-Hawkins' mind, however, as she'll be performing at the Bee Mural Wall venue playing electric guitar and singing from Noon-130 p.m.

It is expected other City Councilor and school board committee candidates may also be on hand to listen to the bands and press the flesh, or knock knuckles in these COVID times.

Pappas, Gov. Chris Sununu, who is being wooed by Republicans to run against incumbent U.S. Sen. Maggie Hassan and Hassan, herself, were all asked whether they might attend, but none confirmed they would.