WEST LEBANON, N.H. (WCAX) – Election Day is now just 18 days away and we are taking a closer look at the two major party candidates running to be New Hampshire’s next governor, a race where taxes, women’s reproductive rights, and Donald Trump are at the center of the debate.
Republican Kelly Ayotte is a former United States senator who has been out of politics for several years. Democrat Joyce Craig served three terms as mayor of Manchester, the state’s largest city but has never run for statewide office.
We caught up with Craig on the campaign trail at Dartmouth College as she encouraged students to get out and vote. “I am running for governor to ensure we are strengthening our local communities and making sure residents across our state have the opportunity to succeed,” she said.
A few days later, Ayotte campaigned with business officials in Littleton. “My pitch is this — we have a beautiful quality of life. The New Hampshire advantage is really here. I’m going to fight every day for the people of New Hampshire to keep your taxes low,” she said.
Taxes are a hot topic this election cycle, with both candidates taking aim at each other. “Unfortunately, she failed Manchester. Every budget she submitted, she submitted higher taxes for the people of Manchester,” Ayotte said.
“I think it is really rich what Kelly Ayotte is doing because she is advocating for a tax break for millionaires like herself,” Craig said.
Women’s reproductive rights are also under the microscope this election cycle. A few years ago, outgoing Governor Chris Sununu signed a bill banning abortions after 24 weeks with certain exceptions. Craig says reproductive freedom in New Hampshire is under attack.
“And in Manchester, I supported the largest Planned Parenthood to ensure that families had access to reproductive health care,” she said.
Ayotte says she supports New Hampshire’s current law. “I have said very clearly in this campaign — if anything more restrictive is sent to my desk, I will veto it,” she said.
And then there’s former president Trump. “He was found to have sexually assaulted women, he caused an insurrection, and he is a convicted criminal, and Kelly Ayotte feels like he is fit to be president,” Craig said.
Ayotte rescinded support for Trump during the 2016 election but then endorsed him this year after announcing her run for governor. “The border was more secure, things were more affordable, and the economy was stronger. So, that was the objective analysis,” Ayotte said.
Sununu, who has had high approval ratings throughout his four terms, has endorsed Ayotte. On the other hand, Republicans have controlled the governor’s office in Concord for the last eight years, which some experts say could have voters wanting a change.
A third candidate, Libertarian Stephen Villee, will also appear on the ballot on November 5th.