Kelly Ayotte Wins New Hampshire Governor Race

Republican Kelly Ayotte has won the New Hampshire governor's race, defeating Democrat Joyce Craig, marking her political comeback after losing her Senate seat in 2016. Ayotte's campaign focused on public safety and economic issues, while she accused Craig, the former mayor of Manchester, of failing to address crime and homelessness. Craig attempted to make abortion rights a key issue, criticizing Ayotte for her support of the Supreme Court's decision to overturn Roe v. Wade. With approximately 75% of the votes counted, Ayotte secured 53% compared to Craig's 46%. This victory extends the GOP's hold on the governorship after outgoing Republican Gov. Chris Sununu chose not to seek reelection. Ayotte is now the third woman to serve as governor in New Hampshire's history.