New England is known for many things, including the cold weather, its rich American history, and its hardline liberal politics. Although New England tends to be very culturally liberal, New Hampshire is an outlier, having a strong Libertarian streak with lax social restrictions and a strong disdain for gun restrictions and taxes. Chris Sununu is the current Governor of New Hampshire and was first elected in 2016 but has announced on Twitter that he will not seek reelection in 2024.
Despite being a Republican in the northeast, Sununu has become one of the most popular governors in the country. In his six years as Governor, Sununu has consistently been rated as one of the most fiscally responsible governors in the country, highlighted by low unemployment and taxes. Along the way, Sununu gained the reputation of being a moderate Republican for defending school choice and gun rights while also protecting reproductive and LGBT rights.
Sununu comes from a family rich in political experience. His father John H. Sununu served as New Hampshire governor from 1983-1989 before becoming the White House Chief of Staff in the George H.W. Bush Administration. Chris' brother John E. Sununu served as a U.S. Representative and U.S. Senator for New Hampshire from 1997-2003 and 2003-2009, respectively.
Before announcing he would not seek reelection, Sununu was favored to win another term in office, as he won his last two elections by double digits, even when other Republicans lost statewide. Now that Sununu will not run in 2024, Chuck Morse is the lone Republican to announce his bid for the governorship, but there is speculation that former U.S. Senator Kelly Ayotte will also run for the Republican nomination. For the Democrats, Joyce Craig and Cinde Warmington have announced they are running for the seat in what will likely be one of the most hotly contested races in 2024.
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