Former Sen. Kelly Ayotte launched her campaign for governor of New Hampshire on Monday, aiming to succeed Chris Sununu in a highly competitive race.

“I’m running for Governor because New Hampshire is one election away from becoming Massachusetts — from becoming something we are not,” Ayotte said in a statement. “We will ensure that New Hampshire remains safe, prosperous, and free.”

After Sununu last week announced his decision not to run for a fifth term in 2024, candidates from both parties wasted no time joining the fray. In the GOP primary, Ayotte faces competition from former state Senate President Chuck Morse.

Ayotte is diving into the already crowded gubernatorial race after losing her last Senate reelection bid in 2016 by fewer than a thousand votes statewide.