Kelly Ayotte is running for governor in New Hampshire, facing a competitive race amid concerns about her ability to win over Kamala Harris voters due to her support for Donald Trump. Ayotte, a former Republican senator who lost her bid for reelection in 2016, is being attacked by Democrats on issues such as abortion and her relationship with Trump. Republicans, on the other hand, are trying to localize the race by focusing on her Democratic opponent Joyce Craig’s tenure as the mayor of Manchester and her handling of issues like homelessness and drug problems.
The race to succeed retiring Republican Gov. Chris Sununu is close in New Hampshire, a state known for its tendency towards ticket-splitting but also trending bluer in recent years. Ayotte’s previous decision to withdraw her support for Trump in 2016 and her subsequent endorsement of him in this election have become a target for Democratic attacks, questioning her credibility. The issue of abortion has also been brought up, with Ayotte highlighting her defense of existing laws in New Hampshire while Democrats point to her past voting record and support for Trump-appointed Supreme Court justices.
The Republican campaign is pushing a “law and order” message, criticizing Craig for her management of Manchester, including the city’s homelessness crisis and tax policies. Ayotte’s ads have blamed Craig for the city’s problems and tied her to Democratic governors from neighboring Massachusetts. Craig, in response, has emphasized her efforts to address homelessness and build affordable housing, as well as her vision for the state’s future. The race has become a battleground between national Democratic and Republican interests, with Ayotte relying mainly on her campaign while Craig benefits from broader party support.
Polls show a tight race between Ayotte and Craig, with no clear leader at this point. The outcome may hinge on the results of the presidential election in New Hampshire, with the margin of victory for Kamala Harris potentially influencing the governor’s race. Some strategists believe that Ayotte may have a chance to win if the margin is small, but a larger victory for Harris could signal a Democratic win in the state. The race is seen as a test of Ayotte’s ability to overcome her past controversies and appeal to voters in a state that has become more politically diverse in recent years.
