Kelly Ayotte secures re-election as New Hampshire governor

Republican Governor Kelly Ayotte won re-election in New Hampshire, defeating Democratic challenger Cinde Warmington and giving her party a rare victory on a difficult midterm election night. Her win showed that Republicans could still succeed in a competitive state despite Democratic gains elsewhere.

With 84 per cent of ballots counted, Ayotte led by 51 per cent to 47 per cent. Her campaign focused on housing and childcare affordability, while Warmington highlighted rising electricity, prescription drug and housing costs and proposed suspending the state’s gas tax. Ayotte’s campaign also criticised Warmington’s past lobbying work for Purdue Pharma, which Warmington said was a distraction from the governor’s record.