New Hampshire
Governor’s races to watch in 2024: North Carolina, New Hampshire and Washington
In a crowded election cycle, races at all levels of the ballot matter. Here are the governor’s races we’ve got our eyes on, and why.
Trump’s controversial pick for North Carolina governor wins primary
A bid for governor in North Carolina is garnering a lot of media reaction due to a controversial Republican candidate, Lt. Gov. Mark Robinson.
Straight Arrow News
While the U.S. presidential election will feature a rematch between Biden and Trump, there are several high-profile races, including 11 governor’s seats, to watch in November’s general election. The majority of the gubernatorial races feature new candidates, giving fresh faces the chance to occupy the governor’s mansion in eight states. Here’s a look at three state races that USA Today is closely monitoring.
Who’s running for North Carolina governor?
The Tar Heel State’s gubernatorial race is at the top of everyone’s watch lists, and for good reason. North Carolina is a swing state rife with contradictions and surprises. Exiting Democratic governor Roy Cooper has stood in stark contrast to the state’s deeply Republican legislature for the past eight years, winning the statewide vote in 2016 and 2020, while the state itself voted for Donald Trump.
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The state’s diversity, rapid population growth, and complex political legacy, ranging from Jesse Helms to Jim Hunt, will all come into play this November. But the scrutiny isn’t just due to North Carolina’s swing-state status – the contest features a showdown between two heavyweights of the state’s political scene, Democratic Attorney General Josh Stein and Republican Lt. Gov. Mark Robinson. Millions of dollars are already pouring into the race.
Stein is hoping to ride on Governor Cooper’s popularity and continue the Democratic Party’s long-held dominance of the state’s governorship. Much of the national attention on the race is attributable to Robinson, who has made controversial remarks on topics including abortion, gun rights, and LGBTQ issues, with none of the scandals seeming to slow his momentum.
Who’s running for governor in New Hampshire?
The impending retirement of New Hampshire’s longtime Republican governor Chris Sununu gives Democrats a chance to take the governor’s mansion in the famously libertarian state. The moderate Sununu’s popularity repeatedly foiled Democrats’ attempts to claim the governorship.
The Granite State’s gubernatorial primaries are not until September. On the Democratic side, the front-runners are former Manchester Mayor Joyce Craig and New Hampshire Executive Councilor Cinde Warmington, with restaurant owner and author Jonathan Kiper announcing their candidacy as well. On the Republican side, Former U.S. Sen. Kelly Ayotte faces former state Senate President Chuck Morse lead the pack, with Make America Jesus Included founder Shaun Fife in the mix as well.
Who’s running for governor in Washington?
The impending retirement of longtime governor Democrat Jay Inslee has left an opening for Republicans to take the governorship in the Democratic stronghold – Biden won the state by 19 points in 2020.
Prep for the polls: See who is running for president and compare where they stand on key issues in our Voter Guide
The Republican Party’s hope is largely pinned on the familiar name of Dave Reichert, a moderate Republican who represented Washington for 14 years in a district that leans Democratic. Presently, 28 candidates have filed to compete in Washington’s nonpartisan gubernatorial primary. Reichert’s most significant challenge across the aisle will be Democratic Attorney General Bob Ferguson. Other notable contenders include retired veteran Republican Semi Bird and Democratic state Senator Mark Mullett.
As reported by the Kitsap Sun, the race has already seen plenty of mischief. A local conservative activist contacted some of Washington’s 53 residents named Bob Ferguson, and ultimately helped two of the Bobs to file for August’s Democratic primary, including paying each of the candidate’s nearly $2,000 filing fees. Both alternate Bob Fergusons exited the race after the original Bob, Attorney General Bob Ferguson, sent cease and desist letters and threatened prosecution.
Cy Neff reports on Wyoming politics for USA Today. You can reach him at cneff@usatoday.com or on X, formerly known as Twitter, @CyNeffNews
New Hampshire
Walk Through 3 Million Incredible Lights at New England’s Largest Holiday Light Show
Have you heard of Holly Jolly Journey in Litchfield, New Hampshire?
It’s touted as “New England’s largest and most spectacular holiday light show,” and it’s just one more incredible event you should check out this Christmas season.
According to its website, Holly Jolly Journey has added a million lights for this recent season, meaning there are now over 3 million dazzling lights you can take in while walking through.
What Is Holly Jolly Journey in Litchfield, New Hampshire?
Located at Mel’s Funway Park in Litchfield, Holly Jolly Journey is a walk-through Christmas light event that spans over 2/3 of a mile and features some incredible displays all along the way.
Some of the spectacular things you can see include Santa’s Workshop, Candy Cane Lane, Twinkly Tunnel and Teddy’s Christmas Corner, among others.
The walk is truly mesmerizingly festive.
The Holly Jolly Journey website also notes some new stuff for the 2025/26 season, including additions to almost every scene along the walk, more trees lit, more food and drink stations, a new 28-foot centerpiece, and a new indoor party suite.
When is the Holly Jolly Journey in Litchfield, New Hampshire?
According to its website, the Holly Jolly Journey takes place from the day after Thanksgiving through January 11. It is closed on Christmas Eve.
There are multiple time slots to choose from, starting at 4:30 p.m. and with the last time slot of the day being at 10 p.m. (for those late-night holiday owls).
It should take about an hour to complete, but you can take as long as you’d like.
READ MORE: New Hampshire’s Dazzling 2-Mile Holiday Drive-Thru With 3 Million Lights Returns for 2025
Have you decided which holiday experience you should do this season? You certainly don’t have to limit yourself to one, and Holly Jolly Journey is one you might want to consider. With over 3 million lights and incredible displays on a festive walk perfect for the family, you’ll be soaking up the sparkle of Christmas in the best way possible.
You’ll also have so many Instagram-worthy pics with that glowing backdrop!
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Gallery Credit: Kira
New England’s Top Christmas Towns Are Perfect for a Magical Winter Getaway
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New Hampshire
New Hampshire woman arrested after high-speed chase ends in crash
DOVER, New Hampshire (WGME) — A New Hampshire woman is facing charges after reportedly speeding more than 100 miles per hour during a police chase.
New Hampshire State Police say it happened Saturday night on Route 16 in Dover.
Troopers say they tried to pull over the driver, Stephanie Dupont, but she took off at high speed.
Troopers say they followed her to Exit 3, where she veered off the road.
After the crash, they say she jumped out of the car and tried to flee on foot.
An off-duty officer from Ogunquit happened to be near by and was able to stop her.
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Officials say Dupont suffered non-life-threatening injuries in the crash.
New Hampshire
Judge strikes down challenge to NH absentee voting law
A superior court judge has dismissed a lawsuit filed by a group of visually impaired New Hampshire voters who argued a newly passed absentee voter law violates the state constitution.
In a lawsuit filed this summer, the plaintiffs alleged the measure, which was backed by state Republicans, places a disproportionate burden on people with disabilities by making it harder to vote.
On Friday, New Hampshire Superior Court Judge David Ruoff dismissed the case, ruling that the new policies are reasonable.
The new law requires people requesting an absentee ballot to prove their identity in one of three ways: either mail in a photocopy of an ID, along with their ballot application; have their ballot application notarized; or show an ID at town hall prior to an election.
In his opinion, Ruoff said, “The identification requirements impose ordinary burdens on all absentee voters, and the possibility that it may cause additional burden on a subset of absentee voters does not render the entire statute unconstitutional.”
It isn’t clear if the plaintiffs will appeal the ruling to the New Hampshire Supreme Court.
“We appreciate the Court’s recognition that the identification requirements for absentee voters are reasonable, constitutional, and consistent with New Hampshire’s long-standing election practices,” said New Hampshire Attorney General John Formella, who defended the law in court.
New Hampshire residents who vote in person are already required to show an ID at the polls when requesting a ballot. Supporters of the new law say the same safeguards should be in place for those voters who request an absentee ballot.
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