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 also negotiates state contracts worth more than $5,000, such as the contract with the public employees union. (These nominations and contracts have to be approved by the Executive Council.)
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.
2012-2022
Represents all cities and towns in New Hampshire.
2022+
Represents all cities and towns in New Hampshire.
2024 NH Gubernatorial Primary
Voting Date:
Democrat
Mayor of Manchester, NH (2017 - 2022)
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.
Newmarket Town Council; Zoning Board of Adjustment; small business owner
Jon Kiper is a restaurant owner with local government experience. In his campaign announcement video he said, "As a lifelong resident, a single dad, and a small business owner, I understand New Hampshire's economy, and I've got a plan to fight inflation." His website focuses on increasing affordable housing and reworking New Hampshire's education funding system.
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.
Independent/Other
Automotive technician (40 years); U.S. Marine Corps veteran
Edmond Laplante is a lesser-known candidate for governor. Among other ideas, he would like to impose a surcharge on any foreign country selling products in New Hampshire that receives aid from the federal government.
Libertarian
Software developer
Stephen Villee is a lesser-known candidate for governor.
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.
"Agriculture Historical Restoration"
Shaun Fife is a lesser-known candidate for governor. Among other ideas, he would like to replace currency with a token system unique to New Hampshire.
Richard A. McMenamon II is a lesser-known candidate for governor.
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.
Addiction recovery and mental health peer support
Frank Negus Staples is a lesser-known candidate for governor. Among other ideas, he proposes replacing DEI policies with "Merit, Excellence, and Intelligence (MEI)."
