CONCORD, N.H. — Kelly Ayotte, a Republican and former U.S. senator, officially took office on Thursday as New Hampshire’s 83rd governor. During her inauguration at the State House, Ayotte outlined her vision for the state, emphasizing unity, fiscal discipline, and priorities like education, public safety, and economic growth. She succeeds Gov. Chris Sununu, also a Republican, and enters office with the unique advantage of working alongside a Republican-led federal administration.
A Governor for All: Ayotte’s Vision for New Hampshire
1. Uniting the State
Ayotte pledged to govern for all Granite State residents, regardless of political affiliation.
- In her inaugural address, she stressed the importance of working together for the state’s common good.
“I am going to be a governor for all of you, whether you’re a Republican, Democrat, Independent, you name it. Our state is so much bigger than a party or ideology.”
By taking this approach, Ayotte aims to foster collaboration and inclusivity in state governance.
2. Fiscal Responsibility
New Hampshire faces financial challenges due to the expiration of federal COVID relief funds and declining business revenues. Ayotte promised to address these issues with a disciplined approach:
- Living Within Means: Ayotte compared her strategy to managing a household budget.
“Just like any family, what’s going out needs to match what’s coming in. We are going to make reductions and recalibrate from the higher spending of the last few years.”
Key Budget Goals:
- Review all state government operations to find cost-effective solutions.
- Maintain essential services, particularly for the state’s most vulnerable communities.
- Prepare and present a responsible two-year state budget in February.
| Revenue Challenges | Impact |
|---|---|
| Federal COVID Relief Funds | Funding expired, creating gaps. |
| Business Revenues | Decreased compared to recent years. |
| Budget Adjustments Needed | Reductions and recalibration planned. |
3. Prioritizing Education
Education funding will be a central issue during Ayotte’s term. New Hampshire already ranks in the top 10 nationally for per-pupil spending, and Ayotte plans to maintain this standing while ensuring schools provide the best possible learning environments.
- Support for School Choice: Ayotte backs policies that empower families to choose the best education options for their children.
- Classroom Quality:
“It’s not only about dollars and cents. It’s about how best do our children learn and what kind of environment we are creating in our classrooms.”
4. Border Security and Public Safety
New Hampshire faces unique challenges as a state sharing a northern border with Canada, compounded by its ongoing fentanyl crisis. Ayotte has made public safety a cornerstone of her administration:
- Immigration Enforcement: Ayotte pledged to prevent New Hampshire from becoming a sanctuary state.
“We welcome legal immigration, but those who come here illegally, especially those who commit crimes, need to be held accountable.”
- Northern Border Security: She supports stronger measures to secure the U.S.-Canada border to ensure safety and combat drug trafficking.
Leadership Milestone: Breaking Barriers
Ayotte’s inauguration marks another historic milestone in her career. Nearly two decades ago, she became New Hampshire’s first female attorney general. Now, she is the first Republican woman to be elected governor of the state.
Ayotte expressed hope that her leadership would inspire the next generation:
“Every young girl should understand that whatever position she strives to attain, it’s available to her. My goal is for these conversations about whether a man or a woman holds office to become a thing of the past.”
Immediate Goals for the State
1. Drafting a Responsible Budget
One of Ayotte’s first tasks will be preparing the state’s next two-year budget. With reduced revenue streams, she plans to prioritize efficiency and cost-cutting:
- Focus on protecting vulnerable populations.
- Seek innovative ways to deliver services with fewer resources.
2. Growing New Hampshire’s Economy
Ayotte emphasized the importance of fostering economic growth while maintaining the state’s reputation for low taxes and business-friendly policies:
- Support small businesses and entrepreneurship.
- Strengthen workforce development programs to create jobs and boost prosperity.
3. Strengthening Public Engagement
Ayotte aims to ensure government transparency and accessibility by staying connected with citizens and addressing their concerns directly.
“My number one priority is being a governor for everyone in New Hampshire, for all the people, and being accessible.”
A New Era for New Hampshire
As Ayotte takes the reins of leadership, her administration begins with ambitious goals and a commitment to uniting the state. By focusing on fiscal responsibility, education, public safety, and economic growth, she aims to ensure New Hampshire thrives in the years to come.
Her historic inauguration is not just a moment of personal achievement but also a symbol of progress and opportunity for all Granite Staters.
