New Hampshire Gov. Chris Sununu said he would not be running for a fifth term as governor, opening up the coveted seat for the first time since he was elected in 2016.
Sununu announced his decision on Wednesday, nearly 18 months before the next election is set to take place. The announcement comes after Sununu already ruled out a presidential bid earlier this year, noting he would not seek the GOP nomination.
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“Public service should never be a career, and the time is right for another Republican to lead our great state,” Sununu said in a statement. “This was no easy decision as I truly love serving as Governor. I could not be more proud of our record and it's thanks to your support that we’ve accomplished so much.”
Sununu’s departure quickly generated attention to the New Hampshire race, with one GOP candidate throwing his hat in the ring just minutes after the incumbent’s announcement. Chuck Morse announced he would be running for the seat, pointing to his experience helping Sununu advance a “conservative, pro-jobs, pro-growth, family first economic agenda.”
“Like most everyone else in New Hampshire I’m thankful for everything that Governor Sununu has done to make New Hampshire the state it is today,” Morse said. “Now that he’s decided not to run for re-election, I’m announcing that I am running for Governor to build on those successes.”
Morse has a lengthy record working in New Hampshire politics, serving multiple terms as a state representative and state senator. The Republican even once served as the acting governor of New Hampshire after Maggie Hassan resigned to join the U.S. Senate in 2017. Sununu was sworn into office just two days later.
The GOP primary field is expected to grow more crowded over the coming months, especially after former Sen. Kelly Ayotte also announced a bid on Wednesday. Frank Edelblut, who nearly defeated Sununu in the 2016 GOP primary, is also expected to run.
""I am excited to announce my candidacy for Governor of this great state that I am proud to call home," Ayotte said. "New Hampshire deserves strong and pragmatic leadership, someone who can bring people together to overcome challenges and seize opportunities for growth. As Governor, I will work tirelessly to ensure a prosperous future for all New Hampshire citizens."
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At least two Democrats have entered the fray as well, including Cinde Warmington, who sits on the New Hampshire Executive Council, and Manchester Mayor Joyce Craig. The New Hampshire Democratic Party has already seized on the news of Sununu’s retirement, hoping to flip the governor’s mansion blue in the key swing state.
“Governor Sununu's record has underscored the urgent need for more balanced, forward-thinking leadership,” NHDP Chair Ray Buckley said in a statement. “As we prepare for the upcoming gubernatorial election, we are enthusiastic about two incredible, highly accomplished candidates prepared to present a bold and inclusive Democratic vision to the people of New Hampshire. We are confident Democrats will seize this moment to build a stronger, more inclusive, and prosperous New Hampshire for all Granite Staters.”