Who Is Running for Governor of New Hampshire in 2026?

Kelly Ayotte supports increasing nuclear power to strengthen New Hampshire's economy. She believes small businesses, not government, are responsible for job creation. Ayotte also aims to boost tourism through new Interstate 95 rest stops and supports logging agreements, while advocating against minimum wage increases and mandatory leave. She voted against the Paycheck Fairness Act.

Kelly Ayotte addressed healthcare in her 2026 State of the State address, expressing concerns about budget cuts to the Department of Health and Human Services and committing to meet budget targets without affecting services. She launched GO-NORTH, an initiative utilizing $500 million in federal funds over five years to improve rural healthcare, focusing on expanding telehealth and emphasizing prevention. She also pledged to build out the rural healthcare workforce.

Kelly Ayotte currently supports abortion access up to six months of pregnancy and states she would veto any further restrictions, while also supporting access to in vitro fertilization. Historically, as a U.S. Senator, she voted to defund Planned Parenthood, supported a national 20-week abortion ban, and voted for the Blunt amendment, which allowed denying coverage for birth control and IVF. She has acknowledged changing her position on abortion upon announcing her candidacy for governor.

Kelly Ayotte directed the Department of Education to study successful districts for improving reading and literacy, seeking to apply effective strategies across all schools. She also supported banning cellphones in classrooms. Additionally, she announced New Hampshire's participation in the Federal Education Tax Credit program for Scholarship Granting Organizations, aiming to expand education options and provide tax relief for families and businesses through scholarships for tuition and other educational expenses.