New Hampshire Governor Kelly Ayotte

107 North Main Street

603-271-2121

Kelly Ayotte was elected New Hampshire’s 83rd Governor on November 5, 2024.

Kelly ran for Governor to keep New Hampshire safe, prosperous and free. As a lifelong Granite Stater, Kelly knows that New Hampshire is the best state in the country to live, work and raise a family, and she will work hard every day to make New Hampshire even better

Growing up in Nashua, Kelly learned the only way to achieve success is by working hard. Kelly’s first job was bussing tables during the Summer at Mame’s Restaurant in Meredith. She worked her way through college receiving a Bachelor of Arts with honors from the Pennsylvania State University and her law degree from Villanova University.

Coming from a military family, Kelly deeply appreciates the sacrifices made by New Hampshire’s many veterans, service members, and their loved ones. Her husband, Joe, was an A-10 Warthog pilot who retired from the Air Force as a Lieutenant Colonel. Kelly and Joe got married right before September 11, 2001, and after they returned from their honeymoon, Joe deployed to the Middle East to defend our nation. Their daughter, Kate, is now a Cadet at the United States Air Force Academy.

Kelly has dedicated her life to public service. In 2004, Kelly made history when she became New Hampshire’s first female Attorney General. First appointed to that position by a Republican governor, she was twice reappointed by a Democratic governor. As New Hampshire’s Chief Law Enforcement Officer, Kelly worked every day to protect the freedom, rights, and safety of Granite Staters, and she stood shoulder to shoulder with New Hampshire’s law enforcement officers. In 2006, Kelly successfully prosecuted the horrific murder case of Manchester Police Officer Michael Briggs, resulting in a conviction and death penalty sentence for his killer. Kelly also served as the Deputy Attorney General, Chief of the Homicide Prosecution Unit – New Hampshire’s top murder prosecutor, and as Legal Counsel to Governor Craig Benson.

Kelly was elected by the people of New Hampshire to represent them in the United States Senate in 2010 and was ranked one of the most bipartisan senators, working across the aisle to find solutions to our nation’s biggest challenges. She worked to protect our national security, rein in wasteful spending, and led the effort to pass the Comprehensive Addiction and Recovery Act to address the opioid epidemic. In 2017, she served as the “Sherpa” for Judge Neil Gorsuch, leading the effort for the Trump Administration to secure his confirmation as an Associate Justice to the United States Supreme Court.

Kelly understands the importance of small businesses and job creation to New Hampshire’s economy. She helped her husband, Joe, start a landscaping and snow removal business, shoveling snow by night and then going to work her day job as a murder prosecutor. She also spent several years working with companies in New Hampshire and across the country, including Chairing the Board of BAE Systems, Inc., New Hampshire’s largest manufacturing employer, and Cirtronics, an employee-owned manufacturing company in Milford. She appreciates the important role non-profit organizations play in New Hampshire and has served on several non-profit boards, including Swim with a Mission, Veterans Count, and the School Board of Saint Christopher Academy in Nashua.

Kelly continues to reside in her hometown of Nashua, New Hampshire, with her husband, Joe, and two children, Kate and Jake. Kelly believes that New Hampshire’s greatest strength is the passion, capabilities, and independence of its people. As Governor, she will wake up every day and give her all to serve the wonderful people of New Hampshire to ensure that the Granite State remains the very best state in the nation.

Highlights From Today’s Governor and Council Meeting

CONCORD, N.H. - On January 15, 2025, Governor Ayotte presided over her second Governor and Council meeting since being sworn in last week. “We had a great first Governor and Council meeting today,” said Governor Ayotte.…

Governor Ayotte Tours New Hampshire DOT Mechanical Services During Governor and Council Breakfast

CONCORD, N.H. - On January 15, 2025, Governor Kelly Ayotte toured the New Hampshire Department of Transportation Mechanical Services and received an update on NH DOT’s winter preparation and response efforts during today’s Governor and…

Ayotte Creates Commission on Government Efficiency in First Executive Order

CONCORD, N.H. - On January 09, 2025, Governor Kelly Ayotte signed her first Executive Order creating the Commission on Government Efficiency (“COGE”) and named former Governor Craig Benson and Bedford businessman Andy Crews as Co-Chairs.…

Governor Kelly Ayotte's Inaugural Address

CONCORD, N.H. – On January 09, 2025, Governor Kelly Ayotte delivered her inaugural address after being sworn in as the 83rd Governor of the State of New Hampshire. The full speech, as prepared, can be found below: Mr. Speaker, Madame…

Executive Order 2025-01

An order relative to the Commission on Government Efficiency.

Ayotte Announces Staff Hires

CONCORD, N.H. - On January 06, 2025, Governor-elect Kelly Ayotte announced several hires for the Governor’s office ahead of inauguration on Thursday. In November, Governor-elect Ayotte announced Christopher Connelly will serve as Chief of…

Governor Sununu Directs Flags to Half-Staff in Honor of President James Earl Carter, Jr.

Concord, NH - In accordance with the President’s Proclamation, Governor Chris Sununu has directed all flags on all public buildings and grounds in the State of New Hampshire to fly at half-staff for 30 days until sunset, Tuesday, January 28,…

Governor Chris Sununu Issues 2 Executive Orders

Concord, NH - As part of the authority vested by Part II, Article 41 of the New Hampshire Constitution, Governors are entitled to issue executive orders. For years, Governors have executed this authority and these orders remain in effect unless and…

Governor Chris Sununu Letter to Administration for Strategic Preparedness and Response

Concord, NH - On December 12, 2024, Governor Chris Sununu wrote to Dawn O'Connell, Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response of the Department of Health and Human Service's Administration for Strategic Preparedness and Response, regarding…

Governor Chris Sununu Statement Regarding Dartmouth-Hampstead Partnership

Concord, NH - This Wednesday, December 4, an agenda item regarding a long-term solution between the State of New Hampshire and Dartmouth Health will appear before the Executive Council. "In 2022, the State of New Hampshire purchased Hampstead…

603 Forever! Early Work Secures First Lifespan Extension

Concord, NH – On Oct 31st, Governor Chris Sununu announced that following his "Don't Overload the Code" Executive Order, federal regulators have updated the projected exhaustion date for the 603 area code to the third quarter of 2029. On…

A Continued Commitment: New Hampshire Invests in Maternal Care

Concord, NH – On Oct 30th, members of the Executive Council voted in favor of $400,000 to be used for a new effort in New Hampshire to provide direct care support to perinatal mothers and parenting women experiencing mental health challenges.…

New Hampshire Ranked First in the Nation for Health of Women and Children

Concord, NH – New Hampshire is the healthiest state in the nation for women and children, according to the America's Health Rankings® 2024 Health of Women and Children Report released on Oct 17th, by the United Health Foundation. The…

Done Right: Governor Sununu Authorizes Funds for Group II Retirement

Concord, NH – On Oct 8th, Governor Chris Sununu authorized the transfer of $26,000,000 to the New Hampshire Retirement System for the Group II Retirement Plan and issued the following statement: “New Hampshire made a commitment to our…

Governor Sununu Has Directed Flags To Fly At Half-Staff In Observance Of The September 11, 2001 Terror Attacks

Concord, NH – In accordance with federal law, Governor Chris Sununu has directed flags on all public buildings and grounds in the State of New Hampshire to fly at half-staff on Wednesday, September 11, 2024 in observance of the September 11,…

Strong Leadership and Sound Judgment': State of New Hampshire Releases COVID-19 After-Action Report

Concord, NH – On Aug 26th, Governor Chris Sununu released the State of New Hampshire COVID-19 After-Action Report. The Report, written by a third-party consulting team, analyzes the State of New Hampshire's response to the COVID-19 pandemic…

Governor Chris Sununu Signs 14 Bills Into Law

Concord, NH – On Aug 23rd, Governor Chris Sununu signed the following 14 bills into law: HB 518: Relative to the administration of occupations by the office of professional licensure and certification HB 1091: Relative to the financing…

Christa McAuliffe Statue Unveiling Announced

Concord, NH – The Christa McAuliffe State House Memorial Commission is pleased to announce that the unveiling of the Christa McAuliffe statue will be held on Monday, September 2, 2024, at 10 AM. Members of the public are encouraged to attend.…

Presidential Declaration Makes Aid Available in 2 Counties

Concord, NH – Governor Chris Sununu announced on Aug 20th, that President Joe Biden granted his request for a major disaster declaration in response to severe storms and flooding from July 10-13 that resulted in significant costs to local…

Keeping Heroes Healthy

Concord, NH – On Aug 2nd, after signing HB 1352, relative to firefighting personal protective equipment, Governor Chris Sununu issued the following statement: "For years now, my Administration has made it a priority to protect the lives and…

Governor Chris Sununu Signs 45 Bills Into Law, Vetoes 3

Concord, NH – On Aug 2nd, Governor Chris Sununu signed the following 45 bills into law: HB 458: Reestablishing the commission to study the assessing of power generation HB 494: Renaming the agricultural product and scale testing fund…

Governor Chris Sununu Signs HB 318-FN-A

Concord, NH – Governor Chris Sununu has signed HB 318-FN-A into law, an act relative to magistrates, bail commissioners, the standards applicable to and the administration of bail, and making appropriations. "We have been fighting for these…

Governor Chris Sununu Takes Action on Bills - July 26, 2024

Concord, NH – On July 26, 2024, Governor Chris Sununu signed the following 53 bills into law: HB 185: Relative to the determination of parental rights and responsibilities based on shared parenting and requiring all municipalities and…

New Hampshire Strengthens Water Infrastructure

Concord, NH – On July 26th, after signing SB 393 into law, relative to making an appropriation to the Department of Environmental Services to fund regional drinking water infrastructure, Governor Chris Sununu issued the following statement:…

Don’t Overload the Code!

Concord, NH – On July 26th, after signing SB 603, relative to telephone number and area code conservation, Governor Chris Sununu issued the following statement: “603 is more than just an area code – it’s part of our…

Honoring a Hero

Concord, NH – On July 26th, after signing SB 592 into law, renaming Route 127 from Central Street in Franklin to the town line of Sanbornton as Chief Bradley Haas Memorial Highway, Governor Chris Sununu issued the following statement:…

Grafton County Added to April Disaster Declaration

Concord, NH – Governor Chris Sununu announced Tuesday that the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) amended its response to a major disaster declaration request for a nor'easter that occurred April 3-5. Grafton County has been added to…

Governor Chris Sununu Takes Action On Three Bills

Concord, NH - On July 19, 2024, after vetoing HB 396 and signing HB 619 and HB 1205, Governor Chris Sununu issued the following statement: In 2018, Republicans and Democrats passed legislation to prevent discrimination because as I said at the…

Governor Chris Sununu Vetoes Bill

Concord, NH - On July 19, 2024, Governor Chris Sununu vetoed HB 274, relative to the administrative rulemaking process. A copy of the Governor’s veto message can be found…

Governor Chris Sununu Vetoes Bill

Concord, NH - On July 19, 2024, Governor Chris Sununu vetoed HB 1293, relative to the use of certain fertilizers on turf. A copy of the Governor’s veto message can be found…

Governor Chris Sununu Signs 50 Bills Into Law

Concord, NH - On July 19, 2024, Governor Chris Sununu signed the following 50 bills into law: - HB 202: Relative to property tax abatements - HB 322: Relative to establishing a committee to study the New Hampshire board of medicine and making an…

Governor Chris Sununu Takes Action On Three Bills

Concord, NH – On July 19th, after vetoing HB 396 and signing HB 619 and HB 1205, Governor Chris Sununu issued the following statement: In 2018, Republicans and Democrats passed legislation to prevent discrimination because as I said at…

Governor Chris Sununu Signs 33 Bills Into Law, Vetoes 2

Concord, NH - On July 12, 2024, Governor Chris Sununu signed the following 33 bills into law: - HB 135: Relative to requisites for a criminal search warrant - HB 243: Requiring the tabulation of votes in elections to be done in public - HB 279:…

Patient Health First: New Hampshire Increases Medicaid Rates, Expands Coverage for Primary Care and Preventive Services

Concord, NH – Today, Governor Chris Sununu announced significant enhancements to Medicaid to expand primary care services and preventive treatments to improve residents' health, patient experience, and the financial outlook of the program.…

Presidential Declaration Makes Aid Available in 4 Counties

Concord, NH – Governor Chris Sununu announced today that President Joe Biden granted his request for a major disaster declaration in response to an April nor'easter that resulted in significant costs to local communities. Belknap, Carroll,…

Governor Chris Sununu Signs 81 Bills Into Law, Vetoes 4

Concord, NH - On July 3, 2024, Governor Chris Sununu signed the following 81 bills into law: HB 147: Relative to membership of the advisory committee on the education of students with disabilities HB 306: Relative to prohibiting…

New Hampshire Leads to Save Fire Fighter Lives

Concord, NH - On July 2, 2024, at the Manchester Central Fire Station, Governor Chris Sununu signed SB 352 into law, establishing an early detection cancer screening pilot program for active and retired fire fighters. "The dangers of being a…

Governor Chris Sununu Signs 51 Bills Into Law

HB 155: Relative to the higher education commission HB 182:Prohibiting discharge of volunteer firefighters or volunteer medical technicians from other employment HB 283:Relative to rental application fees charged to prospective tenants HB…

The Best For Kids: New Hampshire Ranked the Top State for Child Well-Being

Concord, NH – On June 10th, following the release of the 2024 Annie E. Casey Foundation's annual KIDS COUNT Data Book, which ranks New Hampshire as the #1 state in the country for child well-being for the second year in a row, Governor Chris…

Governor Chris Sununu Signs 15 Bills Into Law, Vetoes 1

Concord, NH – On May 31st, Governor Chris Sununu issued the following statement regarding HB 1003, relative to name changes for inmates, parolees, and convicted felons: “It is our shared responsibility to provide for the protection of…

Governor Chris Sununu Directs Flags Lowered to Half-Staff on Monday in Honor of Memorial Day

Concord, NH – On May 24th, in accordance with the President’s proclamation, Governor Chris Sununu directed all flags on public buildings and grounds in the State of New Hampshire to fly at half-staff from sunrise to noon on Monday, May…

DATA: New Hampshire Energy Policy Mitigates Rising Costs for Ratepayers

Concord, NH – Data from the Energy Information Administration's (EIA) "Electric Power Monthly" reports finds that residential electric rates in Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, and Rhode Island have all increased at a substantially greater…

Governor Chris Sununu Signs 8 Bills Into Law

Concord, NH – On May 20th, Governor Chris Sununu signed the following eight bills into law: HB 1052: Relative to the format of excavating and dredging permit applications HB 1302: Relative to elected conservation commissions in towns HB…

Governor Chris Sununu Directs Flags to Half-Staff in Recognition of Law Enforcement Officers’ Memorial Ceremony

Concord, NH – Governor Chris Sununu has directed flags to be flown at half-staff on Friday, May 17, 2024 from sunrise to sunset in recognition of the New Hampshire Law Enforcement Officers’ Memorial Ceremony. The 32nd Annual Memorial…

Governor Chris Sununu, Mayor Jay Ruais Statement Following Approval of $1M for Mark Stebbins Community Center

Concord, NH – On May 15th, Governor Chris Sununu issued the following statement after members of the Executive Council voted to approve $1 Million in funding to assist in the building of the Mark Stebbins Community Center in Manchester, a…

Governor Chris Sununu Statement Regarding Sen. Bradley’s Hospital Medicaid Payment Legislation

Concord, NH – On May 14th, Governor Chris Sununu issued the following statement regarding Senator Bradley's proposed Medicaid payments and Medicaid fund legislation: "As hospitals have stepped away from the mental health crisis, other…

Governor Chris Sununu Signs 12 Bills Into Law, Issues Statement

Concord, NH – On May 14th, Governor Chris Sununu issued the following statement after signing HB 261 into law, relative to rights of tenants in cases of domestic violence: "New Hampshire is stepping up to protect survivors of sexual…

Governor Chris Sununu Directs Flags to Half-Staff in Honor of Peace Officers Memorial Day, Declares Law Enforcement Memorial Week

Concord, NH – On May 14th, in accordance with the President’s proclamation, Governor Chris Sununu has directed flags on all public buildings and grounds in the State of New Hampshire to fly at half-staff from sunrise to sunset on…

Governor Chris Sununu Thanks Legislators, Makes Request to Fiscal Committee

Concord, NH – On May 8th, Governor Chris Sununu announced that he will request members of the Fiscal Committee authorize $3,341,299 in additional funding to five New Hampshire Community Development Finance Authority (CDFA) Community Centers…

Governor Sununu Directs Flags to Half-Staff in Observance of National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Service

Concord, NH – In accordance with Public Law 107-51, Governor Chris Sununu has directed flags on all public buildings and grounds in the State of New Hampshire to fly at half-staff on Sunday, May 5, 2024 from sunrise to sunset in observance of…

Governor Chris Sununu Statement Regarding Senator Jeb Bradley

Concord, NH – On May 2nd, following Senator Jeb Bradley's announcement that he will not seek reelection, Governor Chris Sununu issued the following statement: "Senator Jeb Bradley's career has been marked by his service to New Hampshire.…

Protecting NH Lakes: $1 Million in Funding to Prevent Cyanobacteria Blooms

Concord, NH – On May 1st, following approval by members of the Executive Council, New Hampshire’s Department of Environmental Services announced two items totaling $1,000,000 in funding to make lakes and waterbodies across the Granite…

$1 Million Made Available for OHRV Trail Repairs

Concord, NH – On May 1st, following approval by members of the Executive Council, New Hampshire’s Department of Natural and Cultural Resources announced $1,000,000 in funding to improve the statewide trail system following damage caused…

Governor Chris Sununu Ceremonially Swears-In Supreme Court Justice Melissa Beth Countway

Concord, NH –On April 26th, Governor Chris Sununu ceremonially swore in Justice Melissa Beth Countway to the New Hampshire Supreme Court and issued the following statement: "Fair, well-rounded, experienced!" said Governor Chris Sununu. "30…

Andrew Flockton Selected as 2024 ‘Governor for A Day’ Winner

Concord, NH – On April 26th, Governor Chris Sununu announced that Andrew Flockton, of Milford, New Hampshire has been selected as the 2024 'Governor for a Day' competition winner. Andrew will act as Governor for a Day on Wednesday, May 1st,…

Back on the Market! 217 Acres in the Beautiful Lakes Region of New Hampshire

Department of Administrative Services Announces Amazing Development Opportunity Now Accepting Offers Concord, NH – On April 23rd, the Department of Administrative Services announces that the 217 Lakes Region acres that comprise the former…

Presidential Declaration Makes Aid Available to 2 NH Counties

Concord, NH – Governor Chris Sununu announced on April 22nd, that President Joe Biden granted his request for a major disaster declaration in response to a severe storm and flooding in the month of January that resulted in significant costs to…

Governor Chris Sununu Signs HB 1203 Into Law

Concord, NH – On April 15th, Governor Chris Sununu signed HB 1203 into law, relative to prohibiting the charging of rent to charitable gaming facilities, and issued the following statement: "By signing this bill into law, New Hampshire is…

Governor Chris Sununu Signs SB 395 Into Law

Concord, NH – This week, Governor Chris Sununu signed SB 395, relative to establishing the position of assistant commissioner of the Department of Agriculture, Markets, and Food, into law.

Public Higher Education Task Force Issues Report

Concord, NH - Today, in accordance with Executive Order 2023-06 issued by Governor Chris Sununu, the Public Higher Education Task Force released a report of its findings on the strategic alignment of public higher education in New Hampshire,…

Go for Launch: Christa McAuliffe State House Memorial Commission Arts Competition

Concord, NH - The Christa McAuliffe State House Memorial Commission is pleased to announce the creation of a student arts-based competition to correspond with the creation, installation, and unveiling of the new Christa McAuliffe Memorial in 2024.…

Local Emergency Shelter Services Bolstered with $8.5M in Funding

Concord, NH - Today, following approval by the Executive Council, $8,500,000 in funding was made available to local emergency shelter services supporting individuals experiencing or at risk of homelessness. $6.74 million of the funds approved today…

Fiscal Prudence Delivers Results: S&P Global Upgrades NH Ratings for First Time in Decades

Concord, NH - Today, after S&P Global upgraded New Hampshire's General Obligation ratings from "AA" to "AA+" Governor Chris Sununu issued the following statement: "Good fiscal management delivers good results," said Governor Chris Sununu. "For…

Commissioner Chris Nicolopoulos to Not Seek Reappointment; Replacement Search to Begin Immediately

Concord, NH – Today, Governor Chris Sununu announced that Insurance Commissioner Christopher Nicolopoulos will not be seeking reappointment upon the conclusion of his term. "I thank Commissioner Nicolopoulous for his service to the State of…

Governor Chris Sununu Directs Flags to Half Staff

Concord, NH – In accordance with the President's proclamation, Governor Chris Sununu has directed flags on all public buildings and grounds in the State of New Hampshire to fly at half-staff beginning immediately until sunset, May 11, 2023, as…

Governor Chris Sununu Signs HB 20 Into Law

Concord, NH — Today, Governor Chris Sununu signed HB 20, naming a bridge in the town of Merrimack for the Honorable Richard "Dick" Hinch, into law. “Former Speaker Dick Hinch was a fierce defender of the New Hampshire Advantage, a dear…

Governor Chris Sununu Signs 16 Bills Into Law

Concord, NH – Today, Governor Chris Sununu signed the following 16 bills into law: HB 30: An Act allowing a county to exempt its chief administrative officer from compulsory participation in the retirement system HB 36: An Act relative to…

A Clean, Renewable Solution to Lower Energy Costs: Governor Sununu Statement Supporting the Twin States Clean Energy Link

Concord, NH – Today, following release of the Twin States Clean Energy Link proposal by National Grid – a 211-mile renewable energy transmission project to deliver 1,200 MW of clean Canadian hydropower to New England – Governor…

New Hampshire Governor Kelly Ayotte

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