New Hampshire Gov. Chris Sununu announced that he would not be running for re-election in the 2024 elections, which opens up a competitive race in a battleground state that Democrats would want to take.
Sununu's announcement on Wednesday was made in an email to his supporters, and noted that it was not an easy decision to make. He added that he truly loved serving as New Hampshire's governor and noted that public service should never be seen as a career.
Chris Sununu Not Running for Re-election
Almost immediately following the governor's announcement, Chuck Morse, who previously served as president of the New Hampshire Senate, announced that he would be running for the GOP nomination to fill in Sununu's seat. He also praised the latter for his economic policies and noted wanting to "build on those successes."
On the other hand, two Democratic lawmakers, Cinde Warmington and Joyce Craig, a member of the New Hampshire Executive Council and the mayor of Manchester, respectively, had already started campaigns even before Sununu's announcement, as per the New York Times.
Sununu's decision would provide the Democratic Party a huge opportunity as it has won the last five presidential elections in New Hampshire and controls both of the state's Senate seats. Like other Northeastern states, New Hampshire more often voted for Republican lawmakers for state offices despite leaning to the left in national elections.
However, Democrats were able to flip the situation in Maryland and Massachusetts last year after popular, moderate GOP members in the same mold as Sununu retired from their posts. In a statement, the Democratic Governors Association said it is eager to flip the seat no matter which MAGA candidate will become the nominee for the New Hampshire gubernatorial position.
Sununu's decision comes as he is serving his fourth two-year term as New Hampshire's governor after he won re-election last year by more than 15 percentage points. Recently, the 48-year-old lawmaker decided against two opportunities to run for higher office, for the Senate and president.
Candidates for the State's Seat
Former Republican Sen. Kelly Ayotte also teased a potential run for the New Hampshire gubernatorial position. She said that the battle for the seat ensures that the state keeps the "Live Free or Die" spirit going forward. According to CNN, Ayotte then said she was looking forward to announcing some big news in the next few days.
In a statement, New Hampshire Republican Party Chairman Chris Ager expressed his gratitude to Sununu for his service. In the Wednesday remarks, he touted the governor's "principled leadership" and his efforts to grow the state's economy while balancing the state's budget.
Sununu's previous attempt at a presidential election was pulled out after he warned that a crowded field would only lead to former United States President Donald Trump's renomination. He argued that such a situation would guarantee United States President Joe Biden's renomination.
Sununu said in his announcement that he decided after having a lengthy discussion with his wife, Valerie, and his kid. He argued that while he was confident that he would win again, someone else needed to take the mantle, said Politico.
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