By Rich Girard
EAGLE TIMES PUBLISHER
CONCORD, N.H. —New Hampshire Governor Chris Sununu put an end to speculation over whether he’ll run for an unprecedented fifth term as New Hampshire’s chief executive. At an event in Dover, Wednesday, he said it was time for a change.
“After much consideration, I have decided not to run for another term as governor in 2024. Be assured we will keep working and that the Granite State will continue to be our priority for the next 18 months.
“Public service should never be a career, and the time is right for another Republican to lead our great state. 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.”
The announcement comes on the heels of his announcement that he won’t seek the 2024 Republican nomination for president. In removing himself from consideration, he said splitting the primary vote amongst multiple candidates would only make it more possible for former President Donald Trump to capture the nomination. Sununu has been an outspoken opponent of renominating the former President.
In making the announcement, Sununu released a graphic showcasing his administration’s accomplishments, which he says include the lowest unemployment rate in the state’s history, significant tax cuts, expanding school choice, investments in housing, dealing with the state’s drug and mental health crises, delivering full day Kindergarten and protecting Second Amendment rights.
On leaving the event, Sununu left to visit N.H. National Guard troops on the Mexican border in Texas.
Reaction to Sununu’s announcement was swift.
Chuck Morse, former President of the N.H. Senate, thanked Sununu for his service in a release that also announced his candidacy for governor. Morse said he was “thankful” for Sununu’s work.
“I’m proud to have worked with him to put together a conservative, pro-jobs, pro-growth, family first economic agenda that has made New Hampshire the envy of New England and the nation,” Morse said.
Morse said he is running for governor “to build on those successes,” of which he said, “it’s not an accident and it’s not luck, either. It’s because we elect conservatives who get results. It’s what I did as Senate President and it’s what I’ll do as governor.”
Republican Party Chairman Chris Ager released a statement thanking Sununu for his service.
“Throughout his tenure as the 82nd Governor of New Hampshire, Governor Sununu has exemplified principled leadership, tireless dedication, and unwavering focus on the well-being of the Granite State.”
Ager credited Sununu’s “business and family friendly policies” with fostering “an environment where citizens, entrepreneurs, and the New Hampshire Advantage thrive.”
New Hampshire Democratic Party Chairman Raymond Buckley was less than complimentary, blaming Sununu for high electric bills, rising housing costs and property taxes. He also faulted Sununu, who supports the right to abort unborn children, with failing to protect those rights because he signed a ban on abortion after six months, which was part of the last state budget. “under his leadership, we emerged as the only state in New England without affirmative protections for abortion rights.” Sununu’s record, he said “has underscored the urgent need for more balanced, forward-thinking leadership.”
Education Commissioner Frank Edelblut (R-Wilton) and former Senator Kelly Ayotte (R-Nashua) are expected to announce their candidacies. Mayor Joyce Craig (D-Manchester) and Executive Councilor Cinde Warmington (D-Concord) have already announced their candidacies.
As your daily newspaper, we are committed to providing you with important local news coverage for Sullivan County and the surrounding areas.