WHUS Radio Launched Series on Young Politicians

The weekly broadcast highlights the experiences of Connecticut residents aged 18 to 35 working in politics.

Updated on Oct. 12, 2026 in Civic Engagement

WHUS Radio Launched Series on Young Politicians

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Do you think more people under age 25 should serve in local government positions?

WHUS Radio has debuted an interview series titled Next to have the Floor, which showcases young individuals active in Connecticut state and local government. The program features participants between 18 and 35 years old and is scheduled to air throughout October 2026.

Why it matters

The series seeks to elevate the personal experiences and perspectives of young leaders as the state approaches Election Day. By profiling young officials, the program provides insight into the motivations of the next generation of public servants.

The interview series focuses on individuals aged 18 to 35 and will run for four weeks during October 2026. The inaugural episode featured 21-year-old Ryan Engels, who was elected as a zoning commissioner at age 20.

The players

Ryan Engels

He is a 21-year-old political science student at the University of Connecticut who serves as a zoning commissioner in Westbrook.

WHUS Radio

This is a radio station that is broadcasting the new interview series titled Next to have the Floor.

Katie Servas

She serves as the general manager of WHUS Radio and acts as one of the interviewers for the series.

Ria Kowalski

She is the news director at WHUS Radio and conducts interviews for the new program.

The details

General Manager Katie Servas and News Director Ria Kowalski host the program, which examines the political work of young adults across the state. The inaugural episode highlighted Ryan Engels, a political science student at the University of Connecticut who currently serves as a zoning commissioner and sustainability committee chair in Westbrook.

November 2025: Ryan Engels was elected to his current office.
October 2026: WHUS Radio began broadcasting the weekly series.

Political Context

Some critics argue that young officials lack the professional experience necessary to navigate complex zoning and sustainability regulations effectively. Opposition voices often emphasize that deep municipal expertise and tenure are superior to the fresh perspectives prioritized by initiatives like this series.

Residents can gain a better understanding of how young representatives influence local policy decisions in their own communities. The series offers a window into the specific legislative priorities and regulatory goals favored by the next generation of officials.

The takeaway

This series offers a platform to examine how young people navigate the challenges of holding local office while balancing their education. Listeners can gain insight into the civic issues that resonate with young adults currently serving in public roles.