Kelly Ayotte Wins Re-Election as Governor of New Hampshire

The Associated Press called the race for Republican Gov. Kelly Ayotte over challenger former Democratic Executive Councilor Cinde Warmington at 12:42 a.m. Wednesday.

It was the cliff hanger race of the 2026 election night with Ayotte garnering 292,616 votes or 51.1 percent to Warmington’s 270,570 votes or 47.3 percent at 1 a.m. Wednesday with about 84 percent of the votes counted. Libertarian Stephen Willee had 9,293 votes or 1.6 percent of the votes

“Thank you, New Hampshire! It’s the honor of my life to serve as your Governor, and I’m ready to continue working together to keep our state safe, prosperous and free,” Ayotte posted on social media after the race was called.

Ayotte, 58, and Warmington, 69, both appeared optimistic as they cast their ballots earlier in the day. The most recent UNH poll showed the race was a statistical tie with Ayotte the more popular candidate.

The Republican Governors Association congratulated Ayotte on her reelection victory early Wednesday morning.

“Granite Staters made the right choice to keep New Hampshire on the path of low taxes, safe communities, and greater opportunity,” said RGA Chair Governor Greg Gianforte.

“Governor Ayotte understands that protecting the New Hampshire Advantage means helping families afford a future in the state they love. Tonight’s result is a vote of confidence in her leadership and the great work still ahead.”

Ayotte also served from 2011 to 2017 as a U.S. Senator and as New Hampshire’s Attorney General from 2004 to 2009.

Warmington, a healthcare attorney, politician and lobbyist couldn’t shake Ayotte labeling her an opioid lobbyist. Warmington blasted Ayotte for her handling of the economy.

Overall, it was an amazingly good night for New Hampshire Democrats.

Manchester’s Democratic Congressman Chris Pappas easily won the Senate seat left open by Democrat U.S. Sen. Jeanne Shaheen’s retirement. Pappas beat former Republican Sen. John E. Sununu, with the Associated Press calling the race at 8:20 p.m. Pappas called out the negative campaign tactics used against him.

“Across the state, Granite Staters are showing the fighting spirit, the resilience and determination that we’re known for. And despite all the negative attacks, and the lies, it’s nice to know that love and truth prevail tonight,” Pappas said.

The Executive Council races showed Democrats in the lead in all five contests.

U.S. Rep. Maggie Goodlander (D-2nd District) declared victory around 9 p.m., before any outlets had called the race, though she was easily beating Lily Tang Williams 62 percent to 35 percent with 25 percent of the votes counted.

“I want to thank all of you from the bottom of my heart…This is just amazing,” Goodlander told supporters Tuesday night.

Democrat Stefany Shaheen beat Republican Anthony DiLorenzo in the race for the 1st Congressional District seat.

She praised her four children, her husband and her mother Sen. Jeanne Shaheen saying they inspired her, and thanked them and all of the people who helped in her campaign.

Eric H. Holder, Jr., the 82nd Attorney General of the United States and Chairman of the National Democratic Redistricting Committee (NDRC), released the following statement in response to the New Hampshire State Legislative election results: 

“Congratulations to Democrats on winning majorities in the New Hampshire House and Senate. Granite Staters have voted to put an end to Republicans’ anti-democracy agenda and fended off the threat of a mid-decade gerrymander in New Hampshire by taking full control of the legislature.”

The post Kelly Ayotte Wins Re-Election as Governor of New Hampshire appeared first on InDepthNH.org.