Republicans hold onto the most highly contested governor’s seat this year

In a highly contested gubernatorial election in swing state New Hampshire, Republicans have managed to hold onto the governor’s office in what turned out to be one of the most closely watched races of the year. The Fox News Decision Desk has projected that former Sen. Kelly Ayotte, the Republican nominee, will defeat Democratic nominee and former Mayor Joyce Craig of Manchester, New Hampshire’s largest city.

This victory for Ayotte comes after popular GOP Gov. Chris Sununu decided against running for re-election, having served four consecutive two-year terms as governor. New Hampshire, along with neighboring Vermont, is one of the only states in the U.S. that elects governors every two years.

In a social media post following the announcement of her win, Ayotte expressed her gratitude to the people of New Hampshire and her readiness to “hit the ground running to keep our wonderful state safe, prosperous, and free.”

Ayotte, a former state attorney general who served in the U.S. Senate from 2010 to 2016, easily secured the GOP nomination in early September, while Craig narrowly edged out Executive Councilor Cinde Warmington to clinch the Democratic nomination.

The race attracted significant national attention and outside money, with both parties pouring resources into the campaign. National Democrats targeted Ayotte for her past Senate votes on abortion and her recent support for former President Trump, while Ayotte and her Republican allies criticized Craig’s handling of crime and homelessness during her tenure as mayor of Manchester.

Ayotte’s campaign slogan, “Don’t Mass UP NH,” highlighted the contrast between New Hampshire and neighboring Massachusetts, where Democrats hold control of the state government and dominate the congressional delegation.

Despite losing her Senate re-election bid by a slim margin in 2016, Ayotte maintained a strong presence in New Hampshire politics and continued to be active in the Republican Party. Her decision to run for governor last year was met with enthusiasm from supporters and marked a new chapter in her political career.

Throughout the campaign, Ayotte emphasized her commitment to addressing key issues facing the state, including border security and public safety. Her endorsement of Trump early in the race solidified her position as a staunch supporter of the former president’s policies.

In the general election, Ayotte faced off against Craig, who ran a competitive campaign but ultimately fell short in her bid for the governor’s office. Despite facing opposition from national Democrats and significant outside spending, Ayotte’s victory underscores the enduring support for the Republican Party in New Hampshire.

As Ayotte prepares to take office as the new governor of New Hampshire, she will undoubtedly face a range of challenges and opportunities. Her experience in public service and dedication to the state make her well-equipped to lead New Hampshire into the future.

Overall, the outcome of the gubernatorial election in New Hampshire reflects the state’s unique political landscape and the resilience of the Republican Party in maintaining control of key offices. With Ayotte at the helm, New Hampshire is poised for continued growth and success under her leadership.