2025 Patch Profile: Sarah Hague, Canton Board of Selectmen

CANTON, CT — Canton Patch asked candidates to answer questions about their campaigns and will be publishing candidate profiles as Election Day draws near.

Sarah Hague is running for the Canton Board of Selectmen as a Democrat.

The following is Sarah Hague's questionnaire sent to Patch:

Candidate's Name: Sarah Hague

What office are you seeking? Canton Board of Selectmen

What town do you live in? Canton

Campaign Website: https://www.cantondtc.org/

Party Affiliation: Democratic

Occupation: Political Strategist

Family: Ruth Barker Ginsburg, the beloved shih tzu found on the sidewalks of New York City

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government? N/A

Previous public office, appointive or elective: Not yet.

Why are you seeking this office?

Canton is facing big decisions: how to manage growth responsibly, how to invest in infrastructure without unfairly burdening taxpayers.

We need leaders who will keep Canton Canton, while planning boldly for the future—making sure that families, seniors, and small businesses can thrive here, while protecting the natural beauty that makes our town special.

I’ve spent my career making government more responsive and effective, building coalitions, and delivering results.

Now I want to bring that experience home — bringing fresh energy, thoughtful planning, and a collaborative spirit to ensure Canton’s future is strong.

The single most pressing issue facing my constituents is ____, and this is what I intend to do about it:

The single most pressing issue is balancing responsible growth with protecting the character and affordability of Canton.

Residents want to preserve what makes our town special—our schools, open spaces, and community spirit—while also ensuring we can grow sustainably and keep taxes fair.

I will work to strengthen transparency in budgeting, invest in infrastructure that meets long-term needs, and ensure that development strengthens, rather than strains, our community.

What are the major differences between you and the other candidates seeking this post?

I bring over a decade of experience leading complex government and policy initiatives across the country, combined with deep roots here in Canton.

I earned my Master of Social Work before serving as the youngest Chief of Staff in Congress, where I translated complex policy into action and empowered constituents to get involved.

I later led a national organization dedicated to getting more moms into positions of power and advancing policies that help families thrive.

Today, I work with organizations across the country to pass policies that meet the needs of everyday people, elect pragmatic, forward-thinking leaders, and protect our democracy with everything I’ve got.

I know how to create a plan, build consensus across partisan divides, and deliver results—skills that set me apart.

I’ll bring both professional expertise and a collaborative mindset to make real progress for Canton.

What other issues do you intend to address during your campaign?

Education: I will champion strong, inclusive schools that prepare students for success. My policy and program leadership career has been about expanding opportunity, and I’ll bring that same commitment to Canton’s classrooms.

Public Safety: I will prioritize safer roads, sidewalks, and neighborhoods. Having coordinated emergency response at the federal, state, and local levels, I know how to anticipate risks and implement plans that protect communities.

Economic Development: I will encourage smart growth that expands our tax base while protecting Canton’s natural resources and small-town character. I’ve built bipartisan coalitions that balanced progress with preservation, and I’ll bring that same approach here.

Strategic Planning: I will ensure Canton plans boldly for the future while responsibly funding today’s needs. I know how to take a big-picture vision and translate it into practical steps, so our town can grow responsibly without losing what makes it special.

Leadership: I will lead with transparency, collaboration, and follow-through. As a Chief of Staff in Congress and Chief Program Officer at a national nonprofit, I’ve turned big ideas into action and made government more responsive to everyday people. I’ll do the same for Canton.

What accomplishments in your past would you cite as evidence that you can handle this job?

I’ve been working in government and public service since I was 15, when I served as a youth advisor to Congressman John Larson and learned how everyday people can make a difference. After earning my Master’s in Social Work, I became the youngest Chief of Staff in Congress, where I directed a team across three district offices and helped thousands of constituents cut through red tape.

At the height of the COVID pandemic, when our district was uniquely impacted, I coordinated emergency response across federal, state, and local governments to ensure people had timely, accessible information and resources.

As Chief Program Officer at a national nonprofit, I led strategies that helped elect hundreds of women leaders from school boards to the U.S. Senate, secured policy reforms in 27 states — including Connecticut — and authored research that shaped the national conversation on childcare, campaign finance, and candidate security.

Across these roles, I’ve built bipartisan coalitions, managed complex initiatives, and served as a national spokesperson advancing reforms to make government more transparent, efficient, and effective.

Today, I continue to work with organizations around the country to pass policies that meet the needs of everyday people, elect pragmatic, forward-thinking leaders, and protect our democracy.

I’ve brought these skills home because I believe Canton deserves thoughtful leadership that protects what we love while planning for what’s ahead.

What is the best advice anyone ever gave you?

When I was 15 and just getting started in politics, my mentor gave me a sign with Eleanor Roosevelt’s words: “Somehow we must be able to show people that democracy is not about words, but action.”

It’s been a guiding light for my career, and I’ve hung it in every office I’ve had since.

Is there anything else you would like voters to know about yourself and your positions?

I love this town--I was born in Canton and chose Canton as my home because it reflects the best of small-town life: a strong sense of belonging and beautiful natural surroundings.

I’ve dedicated my career to making government work better for people, across party lines and across the country.

Now, I want to put that experience to work right here in Canton—to keep our town strong, affordable, and welcoming for generations to come.