A recent poll in New Hampshire has indicated a tight race in the gubernatorial election to replace popular Republican Gov. Chris Sununu. The poll shows Democratic nominee Joyce Craig holding a slight edge over Republican nominee Kelly Ayotte. Ayotte, with her greater name recognition and significant campaign funding, may have an advantage, but the poll results suggest that the presence of former President Trump may be weighing her campaign down. Trump’s low approval ratings in New Hampshire and lack of enthusiasm may be affecting down-ballot Republicans, including Ayotte, in the upcoming election.
Republican consultant Tom Rath expressed the belief that Trump is a burden on Ayotte’s campaign, despite her popularity. With Trump losing in New Hampshire in the 2020 presidential election, his presence on the ticket could be impacting Ayotte’s chances of success. A lack of involvement and resources from national Republican groups in New Hampshire may also be hindering Ayotte’s campaign, leaving her to fend off attacks on her own. The situation has prompted concerns that Ayotte is struggling to gain traction in the election, which could ultimately benefit her opponent, Craig.
Ayotte, a former U.S. Senator and state attorney general, is facing off against Craig, a former mayor of Manchester who won the Democratic nomination. While Ayotte has received endorsements from Governor Sununu and has pledged to continue his agenda if elected, she has faced challenges in her campaign, including negative ads and increased negative ratings in recent polls. A key issue for Ayotte is her previous support of Trump, which may be affecting her positioning in the race, given the former president’s standing in New Hampshire.
Despite Trump’s defeat in New Hampshire in the 2020 election, Governor Sununu was able to win re-election in a landslide, suggesting that the former president’s impact may vary across different races. Sununu’s endorsement of Ayotte and her alignment with his agenda may not be enough to overcome the challenges she is facing in the current political landscape. With the recent poll results showing a close race between Craig and Ayotte, the outcome of the election remains uncertain, as Democrats and Republicans vie for control of the governorship in New Hampshire.
Ayotte, who previously withdrew her support for Trump over controversial comments he made during the 2016 election, is now facing the consequences of her association with the former president in her current campaign. Negative ads and attacks from Democratic groups have contributed to Ayotte’s negative ratings in polls and added to the challenges she is encountering in her bid for the governorship. As the election approaches, the influence of Trump and the dynamics of the race will continue to shape the outcome and determine the future of New Hampshire’s leadership under a new governor.
