New Hampshire is set to elect its third female governor in November, with former U.S. Sen. Kelly Ayotte and former Manchester Mayor Joyce Craig emerging as the winners in their respective primaries. The governor’s office is up for grabs as Republican Gov. Chris Sununu has decided not to seek re-election. Ayotte and former state Senate President Chuck Morse were the main contenders in the Republican primary, while Craig faced competition from Cinde Warmington on the Democratic side. This election marks the first time in several years that the governor’s seat is open, and both Ayotte and Craig are vying to lead the state.
Ayotte, who previously served as New Hampshire’s first female attorney general, is focused on continuing the progress made during Gov. Sununu’s tenure. She highlighted the state’s success under his leadership and stressed the importance of maintaining that momentum. On the other hand, Craig, who previously served as Manchester’s first female mayor, is campaigning on a platform of addressing issues such as the housing crisis, strengthening public schools, and expanding access to reproductive healthcare. She has criticized Ayotte’s record and policies, portraying her as a threat to reproductive freedoms in the state.
The race for the governor’s seat has intensified as both Ayotte and Craig gear up for the general election in November. Ayotte, who previously served as a U.S. Senator, is focusing on issues related to crime and immigration in her campaign. She has aimed to appeal to voters by emphasizing her commitment to New Hampshire’s values and interests. Craig, on the other hand, has positioned herself as a candidate with experience in local government, promising to address key issues facing the state. Both candidates are expected to engage in a spirited campaign in the coming weeks as they vie for the support of New Hampshire voters.
In addition to the governor’s race, the 2nd Congressional District in New Hampshire is also a focal point in the upcoming election. The seat, which is being vacated by U.S. Rep. Annie Kuster, has attracted several candidates, including Democratic primary winner Maggie Goodlander. Goodlander, a former White House aide, has emphasized her commitment to fighting for economic and voting freedoms, as well as reproductive rights. On the Republican side, Lily Tang Williams emerged as the primary winner, highlighting her personal journey as an immigrant and her dedication to upholding constitutional freedoms.
As the election season progresses, other congressional races in New Hampshire are also gaining attention. U.S. Rep. Chris Pappas secured the Democratic nomination in the 1st Congressional District, where he is seeking re-election for a fourth term. On the Republican side, former state Sen. Russell Prescott emerged as the nominee, touting his experience in problem-solving and public service. With a diverse range of candidates in the running, New Hampshire voters will have the opportunity to choose their representatives based on their policies and visions for the state. The upcoming weeks leading to the November election are set to be filled with campaigning and debates as candidates vie for support from voters across the state.