In a surprising turn of events, New Hampshire’s popular Republican Governor, Chris Sununu, has announced that he will not be seeking re-election in 2024. Sununu, who had been considered a potential candidate for the presidency, made the announcement in an email to his supporters. He stated, “After discussions with Valerie and the kids and much consideration, I have decided not to run for another term as Governor in 2024. Public service should never be a career, and the time is right for another Republican to lead our great state.”

Chris Sununu has had a successful career as the Governor of New Hampshire. He was first elected in 2016 and is currently serving his fourth term. Despite being a Republican in a predominantly Democratic state, Sununu has enjoyed widespread popularity, boasting a remarkable 66% approval rating. He has consistently won each election with sizable majorities, even as Republicans faced losses in the presidential and Senate races in New Hampshire.

During a June interview on “The Greg Hill Show,” Sununu hinted at the possibility of not seeking re-election. He stated, “Could I win again? Of course. But it’s [public] service, and someone else needs to kind of take the mantle.” Sununu’s decision not to run for re-election has stirred up the political landscape in New Hampshire, with Democrats seeing this as their best opportunity in eight years to retake the governorship.

The Democratic Governors Association wasted no time in responding to Sununu’s retirement announcement. They stated that voters “know it’s time for a change” after “four terms of Sununu’s failures on worsening problems – like the housing crisis and attacks on public education…” The Democrats are hopeful that they can capitalize on Sununu’s departure and regain control of the governorship.

Two prominent Democrats, Manchester Mayor Joyce Craig and Executive Councilor Cinde Warmington, have already declared their candidacies for the upcoming election. Both candidates are well-known in the state and have strong support from their respective bases. Their campaigns are expected to focus on issues such as affordable housing, education, and reproductive rights.

The retirement of Governor Sununu has also sparked interest among Republicans, with several potential candidates considering a run for the governorship. Former New Hampshire state Senate President Chuck Morse wasted no time and immediately announced his campaign for governor following Sununu’s announcement. Morse previously ran for the U.S. Senate in 2022 but lost in the GOP primary.

Another notable figure in the Republican Party, former U.S. Senator Kelly Ayotte, expressed gratitude to Sununu for his leadership and hinted at a potential run for governor. Ayotte, who refused to endorse then-candidate Donald Trump in 2016 and subsequently lost her Senate seat, is seen as a frontrunner in the Republican primary. A recent poll conducted by the New Hampshire Journal shows Ayotte leading Morse by a significant margin.

New Hampshire’s governorship carries significant weight due to the state’s status as a swing state. The state’s unique position as the first primary in the presidential election cycle has made it a crucial battleground for both Democrats and Republicans. The outcome of the governor’s race in New Hampshire often sets the tone for national politics and can influence the direction of the country.

Governor Chris Sununu’s decision not to seek re-election in 2024 has shaken up the political landscape in New Hampshire. His retirement opens the door for new Republican and Democratic candidates to vie for the governorship. With the potential for high-profile candidates on both sides, the race is expected to be closely watched and fiercely contested. The outcome of the election will undoubtedly have implications beyond the borders of New Hampshire, shaping the national political landscape in the years to come.