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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 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.

Who Is Represented
2012-2022

Represents all cities and towns in New Hampshire.

Number of seats: 1
2022+

Represents all cities and towns in New Hampshire.

Number of seats: 1

2024 NH Governor General Election

Voting Date:

Kelly Ayotte
Kelly Ayotte    
Republican

Former Senator, US Senate (2011 - 2016); NH Attorney General (2004 - 2009)

Kelly is a former murder prosecutor, New Hampshire's first female Attorney General and former United States Senator. Kelly lives in her hometown of Nashua with her husband, Joe, and son Jake. Kelly's daughter is currently a cadet at the United States Air Force Academy. Kelly has spent the past several years raising her family in Nashua, while working with companies in New Hampshire and across the country, including serving on the boards of BAE Systems Inc., New Hampshire's largest manufacturing employer, and Cirtronics, an employee-owned manufacturing company in Milford. Kelly helps several local non-profit veterans organizations, including Swim with a Mission and Veterans Count, and also serves on the school board of Saint Christopher Academy in Nashua.

Joyce Craig
Joyce Craig    
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.

no photo provided generic silhouette
Stephen Villee    
Libertarian

Software developer

Stephen Villee is a lesser-known candidate for governor. He met the requirements to appear on the general election ballot as an Libertarian candidate.

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