Former New Hampshire Sen. Kelly Ayotte announced Monday she is running for governor after the state’s chief executive, Republican Chris Sununu, said last week he will not seek another term.
"We are one election away from becoming Massachusetts in New Hampshire, and I'm not going to let that happen," she said. "We have something very special in New Hampshire — no income (tax), no sales tax, education freedom is so important in our state. So I'm running for governor to make sure that New Hampshire remains safe, prosperous and free."
We’re in!
— Kelly Ayotte (@KellyAyotte) July 24, 2023
I am running for Governor because I fear that we are one election away from turning into Massachusetts. Together, we will ensure that we keep New Hampshire safe, prosperous and free. #nhpolitics #nhgov pic.twitter.com/EIngXiQ0wF
I’m running for Governor because New Hampshire is one election away from becoming Massachusetts – from becoming something we are not.
— Kelly Ayotte (@KellyAyotte) July 24, 2023
What we have here is worth fighting for. Together, we will ensure that New Hampshire remains safe, prosperous, and free. #nhpolitics #nhgov pic.twitter.com/gYy4pNSbvN
Former U.S. Senator Kelly Ayotte (R-NH) announces she is running for Governor in New Hampshire:
— The Recount (@therecount) July 24, 2023
"Gov. Sununu did a great job, but there's going to be a vacuum there. We are one election away from becoming Massachusetts in New Hampshire, and I'm not going to let that happen." pic.twitter.com/8WhcL298EI
The announcement makes Ayotte the second Republican to jump in the race since Sununu’s decision.
Former New Hampshire Senate President Chuck Morse said last week he is running to “build” on the governor's successes.
"Like most everyone else in New Hampshire I’m thankful for everything that Governor Sununu has done to make New Hampshire the state it is today,” he said in a statement.
“I’m proud to have worked with him to put together a conservative, pro-jobs, pro-growth, family first economic agenda that has made New Hampshire the envy of New England and the nation,” Morse continued. “We lead the nation in economic freedom. We have the lowest poverty rate in the nation and are the number one state for taxpayer return on investment.
“Now that he’s decided not to run for re-election, I’m announcing that I am running for Governor to build on those successes.”
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