It has been roughly six months since Governor Kelly Ayotte was sworn into the corner office in New Hampshire. While it is still obviously early in her term, she remains popular and enjoys a double digit favorability rating as a Republican in a purple state that was also won by Kamala Harris. Her achievements in government thus far are cause for celebration, and possibly speculation, for the young common-sense conservative.
New Hampshire is part of New England, yet it is politically and culturally significantly different from the rest of its neighboring states. Ayotte herself highlighted this difference during last year’s campaign by running on the election-defining motto — “Don’t Mass Up New Hampshire.” For sure, the motto was not-so-subtle shot at the tax and spend Bay State to the south. But it was also a clear signal from Ayotte that she would stay true to the state’s independent identity and frugal Yankee ideology.
Since taking office on January 9, Governor Ayotte’s top achievement occurred this summer, when she signed into law a fiscally responsible budget. The negotiated budget balances the role and services of the state government and the budgets of families and taxpayers alike. The budget also continues the state’s historic notion of the “New Hampshire advantage” which keeps taxes low and reduces the state’s bureaucracy, empowering local communities and individuals in making decisions they deem best. The Governor was also successful in the budget process in tackling long-standing issues involving retirement programs for first responders, saying that New Hampshire must protect those who that keep state residents safe.
Since taking office on January 9, Governor Ayotte’s top achievement occurred this summer, when she signed into law a fiscally responsible budget.
Another signature Ayotte priority was a major bail reform effort that emphasized safety across Granite State cities and communities. Her successful changes to the bail system ensure that those who are a danger to society in New Hampshire will face jail rather than a turnstile that puts them back on the streets.
Governor Ayotte also put a major focus on kids and education. Under her leadership, New Hampshire dramatically expanded universal education freedom accounts, allowing even more parents to choose a personalized pathway in education. At the same time, she also provided more money than ever before for public education. Ayotte went even further and signed a parental bill of rights and enacted bell-to-bell cellphone ban for children in school.
While New Hampshire is not immune from national trends and challenges such as housing and energy, Governor Ayotte made efforts to help mitigate the issues on a local level. She signed into law 60-day permitting reforms, limited local zoning regulations, and made allowances for mixed use housing.
As part of her all-of-the-above energy policy, the first bill she signed as Governor made it easier to finance energy efficiency projects and programs. She is also working with the EPA on the permitting process for a potential natural gas pipeline, exploring possible ways for the state to access competition and cheaper energy for the future.
Ayotte has also provided more money than ever before for public education, signed a parental bill of rights, and enacted bell-to-bell cellphone ban for children in school.
Along the way, Governor Ayotte racked up a host of other significant legislative wins. She signed into law nation-leading crypto legislation, banned sanctuary cities, scored a deal with hospitals on reimbursement, cracked down on human trafficking, and prohibited sex change procedures for minors.
New Hampshire voters expect to engage with their elected leaders and hold them accountable. Kelly — as she is affectionately referred to by Granite Staters — excels when she is in the towns and communities and is able to meet with people, hearing directly from them and earning their trust. Her “Super 603 Days” initiatives shines a spotlight on all things New Hampshire, from business visits to 5k runs to Rotary groups and fairs. She epitomizes these Granite State traditions where politics is truly local and “in person” versus personal. In 2024, candidate Ayotte received a significant amount of Independent and even Democratic votes. While her policies certainly have crossover appeal, it is also quite possible that she met each and every crossover voter by always being in public around New Hampshire.
Many Washington insiders are whispering about Governor Ayotte as a possible future presidential candidate — a conservative who can win and then govern and deliver in a purple state. Yet in the days of vicious partisan cable-news-game-show-politicians shouting at each other, Governor Ayotte seems quite happy and comfortable being the Granite State workhorse. While no one can say what the future may hold, it is clear that any future Republican candidate for President would be eager to score an Ayotte endorsement, or maybe even consider Ayotte for Vice President or a potential Cabinet role. But with no declared Democratic challenger to even announce a run against her, it seems, for now at least, Kelly Ayotte’s heels are firmly planted in the Granite State.
Matthew Bartlett is the co-founder of Darby Field Advisors, a strategic communications and issue advocacy firm based in New Hampshire. He previously served in the State Department, on the staff of then-Senator Ayotte, and on Jon Huntsman’s 2011 presidential campaign.