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NH Governor

The New Hampshire governor is elected every two years on the first Tuesday in November and serves a two year term. Parties nominate their candidates for that November general election through primary elections, the dates of which can vary. Candidates must be residents of New Hampshire for at least seven years and have to be least 30 years of age.

New Hampshire's governor is responsible for creating the state's initial budget and nominating people to fill judicial seats or lead departments. 

The governor has the power to veto bills approved by the Legislature, though the Legislature can override that veto if it musters a strong enough majority.

Who Is Represented

Represents all cities and towns in New Hampshire.

Number of seats: 1

2026 NH Governor General Election

Voting Date:

Kelly Ayotte
Kelly Ayotte (incumbent)  
Republican

Governor of NH (2025 - present); Senator, US Senate (2011 - 2016); NH Attorney General (2004 - 2009)

Kelly Ayotte has vowed to keep New Hampshire on the "Sununu path." Like former Governor Chris Sununu, she has bucked her party on some hot issues. For example, she vetoed a bill that would have allowed some spaces to segregate based on biological sex (HB 148). That independent streak makes her more appealing to voters in the middle, and so far no Republicans are challenging her reelection. She has also focused on law-and-order issues in her first year as governor, tightening bail laws and restoring retirement benefits to law enforcement.
Stephen Villee
Stephen Villee    
Independent/Other

Software developer

Stephen Villee collected enough signatures to appear on the general election ballot as an independent candidate for governor.
Cinde Warmington
Cinde Warmington    
Democrat

Executive Councilor, District 2 (2020 - 2024); 40 years of health care experience in laboratory medicine, hospital managerial positions, and health care regulatory law

Former Executive Councilor Cinde Warmington announced she is running for New Hampshire Governor again in 2026. She also ran against Democrat Joyce Craig in the 2024 gubernatorial General. Warmington describes herself as a lifelong health care advocate and served as partner at the Shaheen & Gordon law firm before running for office. Her website announcement says she will "tackle the affordability crisis" and "stand up to Donald Trump."
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