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.
Represents all cities and towns in New Hampshire.
2026 NH Gubernatorial Primary
Voting Date:
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 primary. 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."
Independent/Other
Chair, Wilton Planning Board
John Horsley is gathering signatures to appear on the ballot as an independent candidate for governor.
Everett Howard is gathering signatures to appear on the ballot as an independent candidate for governor.
Newmarket Town Council; Zoning Board of Adjustment; small business owner
After losing the Democratic primary for governor in 2024, Jonathan Kiper launched a 2026 campaign as an independent candidate. In September 2025 Kiper wrote, "I'm running for governor to address the three most pressing issues in our state which are: unsustainable property tax increases, a lack of affordable housing and the unconstitutional system of funding public education which sees the poorest towns in our state, paying the most and the rich paying the least towards public education." In 2026 he announced was running under the banner of the newly-formed Community First Party.
Software developer
Stephen Villee is gathering signatures to appear on the ballot as an independent candidate for governor.
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.
"Agriculture Historical Restoration"
Shaun Fife also ran for governor in 2024. His website advocates for "The Lord as our Cornerstone" and states, "When your Constitution's foundation is resting on the Bible, you can stand tall."
Robert Wayne McClory is a lesser-known candidate who also ran for governor in 2024.
