NEWFIELDS, N.H. — The race to succeed popular Republican Governor Chris Sununu in the swing state of New Hampshire is heating up, with a new poll indicating a tight competition between Democratic nominee Joyce Craig and Republican nominee Kelly Ayotte.
According to a recent University of New Hampshire Survey Center poll, Craig holds a slim 47%-46% lead over Ayotte. Another poll from the Saint Anselm College Survey Center also shows a close race, with Ayotte having a slight advantage.
Ayotte, a former U.S. Senator and state attorney general, has greater name recognition and a significant campaign cash advantage over Craig. However, the polls suggest that former President Trump’s influence may be affecting Ayotte’s chances in the election.
Longtime GOP consultant Tom Rath noted that while Ayotte is popular, Trump’s presence on the ticket may be a burden for her campaign. Trump narrowly lost New Hampshire in 2016, and recent polls show him trailing Vice President Kamala Harris in the state.
Despite Ayotte’s strong background and campaign resources, Trump’s unpopularity in New Hampshire could be impacting her standing in the race. The lack of support from national Republican groups and negative advertising against Ayotte have also contributed to her challenges in the election.
Subheadings:
The Impact of Trump’s Influence
Challenges Facing Ayotte
Campaign Strategies and Endorsements
Campaign Strategies and Endorsements
Craig, who served as the mayor of Manchester for three terms, narrowly won the Democratic nomination in a recent primary. Ayotte, on the other hand, easily secured the Republican nomination after defeating former New Hampshire Senate President Chuck Morse.
Governor Sununu, who decided not to seek re-election after serving four terms, has endorsed Ayotte and praised her commitment to continuing his agenda. Ayotte, a rising star in the Republican Party in 2016, faced backlash after withdrawing her support for Trump over controversial comments he made during the campaign.
Despite her past disagreements with Trump, Ayotte has endorsed him in the current election cycle. Rath emphasized the challenges Ayotte faces in aligning herself with Trump while also trying to appeal to a broader electorate in New Hampshire.
The negative ads targeting Ayotte have further complicated her campaign, leading to increased negative ratings in recent polls. The Democratic groups behind the ads have intensified their efforts to undermine Ayotte’s candidacy and sway voters in favor of Craig.
As the election draws nearer, both candidates are ramping up their campaign efforts to secure the governorship in New Hampshire. Ayotte’s experience and resources give her a competitive edge, but Trump’s influence and negative advertising pose significant obstacles to her success.
In Conclusion
The close competition between Craig and Ayotte in the race to succeed Governor Sununu underscores the importance of swing states like New Hampshire in national politics. The outcome of this election could have far-reaching implications for both parties and shape the future landscape of governance in the state. Voters will ultimately decide the fate of these candidates based on their policies, leadership qualities, and ability to address the pressing issues facing New Hampshire.
As the campaign enters its final stages, all eyes will be on the Granite State to see which candidate emerges victorious in the race for the governorship. Stay tuned for updates and analysis on this closely watched contest.