Kelly Ayotte Wins Second Term as New Hampshire Governor

Republican Gov. Kelly Ayotte won a second two-year term as New Hampshire governor, defeating Democrat Cinde Warmington after an election-night count in which the lead changed hands. The Associated Press called the race early Wednesday, November 4, 2026. Certified final vote totals were not included in the reported results. The tally was close as ballots were counted. At 12:42 a.m., Ayotte had 51.1% and Warmington 47.3%, according to figures reported at that time. Earlier partial returns showed Warmington ahead by 2,533 votes with 34% counted. As more votes were reported, Ayotte moved in front; at 78% reporting, she led 51% to 48%. Those partial figures describe different stages of the count, not the final certified result. Ayotte’s victory gives her another two-year term. New Hampshire and Vermont are the only states that elect governors to two-year terms. Ayotte took office in January 2025 after winning the 2024 election. Before becoming governor, she served as a U.S. senator and New Hampshire attorney general. During the campaign, Ayotte emphasized public safety, taxes, housing, education and preserving what is known as the New Hampshire Advantage, a reference to the state’s...