2024 NH Gubernatorial Primary
The 2024 general election may seem far away, but candidates are already lining up to replace Gov. Chris Sununu. He has held the office for four terms, a near-record for the state, and decided against a fifth term in July. The list below includes both officially declared and potential, undeclared candidates.
Democrat
Mayor of Manchester, NH (2017 - present)
Currently the mayor of Manchester, NH, Joyce Craig is the first woman to occupy the office. Now, she has set her sights on the governorship, and officially launched her campaign in July. She has served as Manchester’s mayor since 2018. She is known as a strong fundraiser and defeated well-known incumbent Ted Gatsas, making her a potentially formidable candidate.
Executive Councilor, District 2 (2020 - present); 40 years of health care experience in laboratory medicine, hospital managerial positions, and health care regulatory law
Executive Councilor Cinde Warmington has announced she is running for New Hampshire Governor in 2024. She describes herself as a lifelong health care advocate and served as partner at the Shaheen & Gordon law firm before running for office. As the lone Democrat on the Executive Council, she has gained a reputation for pushing Republican councilors and Gov. Sununu on abortion-related issues.
Republican
Former Senator, US Senate (2011 - 2016); NH Attorney General (2004 - 2009)
Former U.S. Sen. Kelly Ayotte served as New Hampshire’s attorney general before her election to the U.S. Senate in 2010. She lost re-election in 2016 in a close race against then-Gov. Maggie Hassan. Ayotte broke with fellow Republicans that year when she chose to disavow Donald Trump. Ayotte announced her campaign for governor at the end of July.
Hillsborough County Deputy Treasurer; owner, Burns Automation; Manchester Selectman; National Youth Coalition Chair, Donald Trump for President
Robert Burns is a former Hillsborough County treasurer. He made an unsuccessful bid for the 2018 GOP congressional nomination in the Second Congressional District before winning the 2022 Republican nomination. Ultimately, he lost to Rep. Annie Kuster. While he admits to “taking a look at” running for governor, he’s also weighing another bid for Congress.
Senator, NH Senate (2006 - 2022); President, Freshwater Farms & Garden Center; Former Representative, NH House of Representatives; Former Selectman and Moderator, Town of Salem
Former State Senate President Chuck Morse ran in the Republican primary for U.S. Senate in 2022, placing second behind Don Bolduc. Morse has served decades in state office and is well-known within political circles. He arrived at his U.S. Senate campaign announcement riding a skid-steer loader. Morse officially announced his run for governor the same day Sununu announced his retirement.
