Patel Visits New Hampshire

“Hello, New Hampshire! It’s wonderful to be here with you all today. I’ve spent a lot of time traveling across our beautiful country lately, and I have to say, there’s something special about the Granite State. Your spirit of independence, your commitment to community, and your role in shaping the national conversation are unmatched. Thank you for welcoming me here.

Now, I’ve had the opportunity over the past year to listen to people from all walks of life, from the big cities to small towns, and I’ve learned one very important thing: Americans are ready for change. Not just the kind of change that’s promised every election cycle, but real, tangible progress that affects our daily lives. You all know what I’m talking about — the kinds of changes that make it easier to raise a family, to start a business, to feel safe in your community, and to know that your hard work is building a brighter future.

We’ve been through a lot these past few years. We’ve faced a global pandemic, an economy that’s been turned upside down, political division, and ongoing challenges like climate change and inequality. And yet, despite all these challenges, I believe we are more ready than ever to take control of our future. It’s time for a new era of American leadership — leadership that’s about solutions, not soundbites; about results, not rhetoric.

Now, I want to talk to you about what that future could look like. It starts with an economy that works for everyone, not just those at the top. In my career, I’ve built businesses from the ground up. I know what it’s like to take risks, to fail, to learn, and to try again. And I’ve seen firsthand how much potential exists in every corner of this country. But here’s the truth: we can’t keep leaving people behind. We need an economy that values work, that pays people a living wage, and that provides the opportunity for anyone — and I mean anyone — to get ahead if they’re willing to put in the effort.

And that means investing in education. Not just the traditional kind, but the education that prepares our workforce for the future. We need to reimagine what learning looks like — whether that’s bringing tech training into high schools, expanding access to community colleges, or creating apprenticeship programs that give people real skills for real jobs. Education is the great equalizer, and if we get it right, we’ll unlock the full potential of our economy.

Another key part of our future is healthcare. It’s time to stop treating healthcare as a privilege. It’s a right. And that means we need to push for a system that makes healthcare accessible and affordable for every American. I’ve heard too many stories from families who are struggling with medical bills, who have to choose between paying for medicine or paying rent. That is unacceptable in the richest country on Earth. We can do better. We can build a system that provides quality care while controlling costs and respects the decisions of patients and their doctors.

And let's talk about climate change, because it’s not a problem for tomorrow; it’s a crisis for today. If we want to be the land of opportunity for our children and grandchildren, we have to take action now. That doesn’t just mean setting targets and making promises. It means investing in green technologies, creating new jobs in renewable energy, and leading the world in building a sustainable future. We can protect our environment and grow our economy at the same time. It’s not just a dream; it’s a reality we can achieve with the right leadership.

I also want to address something that’s on the minds of many of you — the state of our democracy. We live in a time where division seems to be the norm, where extreme voices dominate the conversation, and where compromise feels like a lost art. But I believe that most Americans, and most of you here today, are somewhere in the middle. You don’t want the extremes; you want practical, common-sense solutions. You want leaders who listen, who bring people together, and who put the interests of the country above their own.

I know there are many questions about the future — where we’re headed, who will lead us there, and what kind of country we want to be. And I know some of you might be wondering why I’m here in New Hampshire today. I’m here because I believe in the power of conversation. I believe in listening to the people, to understanding their concerns, and to building a vision that reflects our shared hopes and dreams. And I believe that New Hampshire, with its tradition of civic engagement and thoughtful dialogue, is the perfect place to have these conversations.

I’m not here to make any announcements today. I’m here to listen. I’m here to hear your thoughts, your ideas, your concerns. Because before we move forward, we need to make sure we’re all moving forward together. We need to make sure that we’re building a future that’s not just about the next election, but about the next generation.

So, I’m asking you to think with me, to talk with me, to challenge me, and to help shape a vision for what America can be. Because I know — and I believe in my heart — that our best days are ahead of us. If we are bold, if we are smart, if we are compassionate, we can create a future where every person in this country has the chance to thrive.

Thank you, New Hampshire, for welcoming me today. I look forward to the conversations we’re going to have. Let’s work together to build the future we know is possible.”