New Hampshire voters choose candidates for governor and Congress
- Kelly Ayotte won the Republican primary for governor with 69% of the vote, while Joyce Craig secured the Democratic primary with 48.7%.
- The Democratic primary was notably contentious, with Craig attacking Warmington's lobbying history related to Purdue Pharma amid concerns over the opioid crisis.
- The upcoming general election is expected to be competitive, with both candidates facing challenges in a state known for its mixed political history.
In the recent New Hampshire primaries, Kelly Ayotte emerged victorious in the Republican race for governor, securing 69% of the vote against Chuck Morse. On the Democratic side, Joyce Craig won with 48.7%, narrowly defeating Cinde Warmington, who garnered 41.4%. The Democratic primary was marked by intense competition, with Craig's campaign focusing on Warmington's past as a lobbyist for Purdue Pharma, a factor that resonated with voters concerned about the opioid crisis. The gubernatorial race is particularly significant as it represents Ayotte's opportunity for a political comeback after her narrow loss in the 2016 Senate election. New Hampshire's political landscape is complex, characterized by a history of voting for Democratic presidential candidates while electing centrist Republicans like Chris Sununu to the governorship. As the general election approaches, Craig is expected to attempt to link Ayotte to former President Donald Trump, despite Ayotte's efforts to distance herself from Trump’s influence. This strategy may play a crucial role in a state that has not supported a Republican presidential candidate in over two decades. The Cook Political Report has classified the gubernatorial race as a toss-up, indicating a highly competitive environment. With New Hampshire's unique political dynamics, both candidates will need to navigate the challenges posed by the state's mixed voting history and the pressing issues that matter to voters, particularly the ongoing opioid crisis.