1693 Scholar Koch-Manzur ’28 takes on DNC as New Hampshire’s youngest delegate
As fall semester kicks into high gear, many William & Mary students are busy scheduling study sessions, club events, and clocking into work. First-year Stamps 1693 Scholar Aliyana Koch-Manzur ’28 is doing all that and more, after serving as New Hampshire’s youngest delegate to the Democratic National Convention (DNC) from Aug. 19 to 22 in Chicago.
At only 18 years old, the prospective double major in chemistry and international relations has been involved in politics since high school. Koch-Manzur attributes her passion for the field to her parents, who would often spark conversations with her and her younger brother at the dinner table growing up.
Hailing from Exeter, New Hampshire, Koch-Manzur is also acutely aware of the political significance of her town, considered by many to be the birthplace of the Republican Party. Due to this long history, many political candidates have hosted meetings in Exeter’s town hall, including former presidents Barack Obama and Donald Trump.
“I’ve always felt very comfortable listening to other people talk about politics and also expressing my own opinions,” Koch-Manzur said. “When I got into high school, I started joining political clubs – I started getting involved.”
Her election to the New Hampshire DNC delegation is just Koch-Manzur's most recent accomplishment. A graduate of Phillips Exeter Academy, she served as the co-head of the school’s Democratic Club, advised by former New Hampshire state Representative Jacquelyne Karen "Jackie" Weatherspoon. Through the organization, Koch-Manzur honed her skills by organizing phone banking opportunities and hosting political candidates.
Once she turned 18, the New Hampshire Democratic Party encouraged Koch-Manzur to run for a delegate position in an effort to increase the visibility of young people involved in politics.
This year, New Hampshire sent 39 delegates to the convention, including 11 people under 35. Koch-Manzur was elected as one of 16 district delegates during meetings that took place last January.
Party officials not only invited Koch-Manzur to attend the convention, but they also selected her to cast New Hampshire’s 34 votes for Vice President Kamala Harris during the convention’s ceremonial roll call, which was broadcast nationwide.
“The entire space just felt so hopeful, so energetic,” Koch-Manzur said. “I couldn’t keep track of all the speakers, but so many of my personal heroes were standing on the stage in front of me.”
Some of her favorite moments from the DNC included a speech by former First Lady Michelle Obama as well as the overwhelming number of Republican politicians who came out to support Kamala Harris. To Koch-Manzur, this display proved that “it’s possible to reach across the aisle.”
Since New Hampshire’s delegation was, on average, younger compared to that of many other states, Koch-Manzur mentioned that she became very close with other members of the delegation. Almost a month later, she is still happy to be in contact with them. “I’m required to send them a dorm room tour once it’s all set up,” she said.
Koch-Manzur returned to Virginia from the DNC just in time for the first day of orientation, and she hasn’t stopped working since. Only one month into the fall semester, she says that she has attended a meeting of almost every politically affiliated organization on campus, including Young Democrats and Young Independents. Her desire to attend clubs ranging across the political spectrum stems from her high school experiences with political discussion.
“I feel like you can’t truly say you believe in something unless you’ve had to argue for it,” she explained. “I wanted to make sure I continue being challenged. It’s also a really great way to meet people.”
At the end of August, Koch-Manzur also began an internship as a campaign fellow for the Democratic Party of Virginia. In this new position, she helps with canvassing, volunteer recruitment, and voter outreach.
When Koch-Manzur is not absorbed in politics, she can often be found reading, hiking, and taking on the ski slopes of New Hampshire, but she hopes to stay involved in politics for a long while.
“I think being able to do both the visibility and grassroots campaigning parts is the most fulfilling way to do politics,” she mentioned. “Everyone’s just been super welcoming and super excited to get us all involved.”
