A recent poll in New Hampshire has indicated a close race in the battle to succeed popular Republican Gov. Chris Sununu. The survey showed Democratic gubernatorial nominee Joyce Craig holding a slight edge over former U.S. Sen. Kelly Ayotte, the Republican nominee. Ayotte, with her greater name recognition and campaign funding, is facing challenges due to her association with former President Trump. Trump’s popularity in New Hampshire has been dwindling, with the current polls showing him behind Vice President Kamala Harris by 11 points. This may have a negative impact on down-ballot Republicans like Ayotte.
Republican consultants in New Hampshire have acknowledged that Trump may be hurting Ayotte’s campaign by overshadowing her efforts. Ayotte is considered the flagship candidate for the Republican Party in the gubernatorial race, and the lack of support from the Trump campaign is making it hard for her to gain traction. Negative ads targeting Ayotte have also contributed to her declining approval ratings in recent polls. Despite her strong background as a former senator and state attorney general, Ayotte’s association with Trump and the onslaught of attacks against her are making the race closer than expected.
Craig, the Democratic candidate, has been able to secure a narrow lead over Ayotte in the polls, partly due to concerns over Trump’s impact on the race. Despite Ayotte’s endorsement from popular outgoing Governor Sununu and her pledge to continue his agenda if elected, she is facing an uphill battle. The lack of support from national Republican organizations and the negative campaigning against her have put her at a disadvantage. Ayotte’s decision to endorse Trump in the 2016 presidential election has also come back to haunt her in this year’s gubernatorial race.
The New Hampshire gubernatorial race has become a focal point of attention due to its competitiveness and the implications for down-ballot candidates. Ayotte’s status as the flagship Republican candidate in this election has made her a target for attacks from both Democratic groups and negative ads. Her association with Trump has brought additional challenges, with his declining popularity in the state affecting her standing in the polls. The close race between Craig and Ayotte highlights the importance of down-ballot dynamics in elections, where factors like presidential endorsements and negative campaigning can have a significant impact.
As the campaign progresses, Ayotte will need to navigate the challenges posed by Trump’s influence, negative ads, and the competitive nature of the race. Her experience as a former senator and attorney general will be key in determining her ability to overcome these hurdles and rally support for her candidacy. With the backing of Governor Sununu and her commitment to continuing his agenda, Ayotte will need to focus on addressing voter concerns and distinguishing herself from her opponent. The outcome of the New Hampshire gubernatorial race will be closely watched as a bellwether for other down-ballot races in the state and the impact of Trump’s legacy on Republican candidates.
