New Hampshire

Governor’s races to watch in 2024: North Carolina, New Hampshire and Washington

Published

2 years ago

May 24, 2024

Press Room

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.

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

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New Hampshire

NH National Guard activated in connection with Iran war

Published

6 hours ago

March 6, 2026

Press Room

NH National Guard activated in connection with Iran war

The federal government has activated the New Hampshire National Guard’s 157th Air Refueling Wing in connection with the war with Iran.

“I’ve had a briefing myself, a classified briefing, but it’s really important on the messaging on this that we really coordinate with the Pentagon,” Gov. Kelly Ayotte told reporters during a press briefing following Wednesday’s Executive Council meeting.

Ayotte said she was unable to share additional details about the nature of the New Hampshire National Guard’s activity related to the conflict, including how many guard members have been activated or what role they are playing.

“We’re going to respect what messaging comes out of the Pentagon just to make sure that our men and women in uniform are fully protected and that we aren’t providing any information that could be used in a way that would be harmful to them,” Ayotte said.

In a statement Thursday, Ayotte said the unit had been deployed in late February to the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility in support of the operation.

Pease Air National Guard KC-46 Pegasus air refueling aircraft in June 2023.

Earlier this week, Pentagon officials confirmed that members of the Vermont National Guard were involved in attacks against Iran over the weekend, though our news partners at Vermont Public were not able to confirm additional details on the nature of the operation.

During the briefing with local reporters, Ayotte also stressed her support for servicemembers and those close to them.

“I have such respect for our men and women in uniform,” Ayotte said. “As you know, I come from a military family, and they have our full support, and we appreciate them and their families, and obviously anyone who is serving right now, and my thoughts and prayers go out to those who have lost someone that they love.”

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New Hampshire

NH Senate Votes To Hike Turnpike Tolls for Out-of-State Vehicles

Published

18 hours ago

March 5, 2026

Press Room

NH Senate Votes To Hike Turnpike Tolls for Out-of-State Vehicles

By PAULA TRACY, InDepthNH.org

CONCORD – While Republican Gov. Kelly Ayotte has said she opposes increasing highway toll rates across the state, the Senate voted Thursday to increase rates for out-of-state license plate holders.

It now goes to the House for consideration.

This would be a $1 increase for those who have out of state plates going through the tolls at Hooksett, Hampton and Bedford for out-of-state plates, a 75 cent hike for those taking Hampton’s Exit 2 and on the Spaulding turnpike at Rochester, and a 50 cent hike for those taking the exit off I-93 to Hooksett.

An analysis in the bill shows that this would increase toll revenue by $53.3 million in fiscal year 2027 and go up each year to generate $81.4 million a year in 2036.

Senate Bill 627 passed on a voice vote with two Republicans, Senators Regina Birdsell of Hampstead and William Gannon of Sandown opposing.

Senator Mark E. McConkey, R-Freedom, moved to take the bill off the table and offered an amendment.
He said the last time there was a systemwide increase to the turnpike toll was 19 years ago.

“I am sure we could all agree the cost of operations…has continued to escalate when revenue is not rising with it,” and he noted that with an enterprise fund, the state can only spend what it takes in.

The state has just completed a 10-year highway plan and there was a $400 million shortfall in projects that could not be paid for under the current income.

McConkey said the measure would not increase tolls for New Hampshire drivers with a state license plate.

“Why don’t we ask our neighbors,” to pay a toll increase. “We are getting the best of all worlds,” by passing the bill, he said, including “protecting our residents” and having resources for improvements to the turnpike system.

Sen. Gannon, R-Sandown, asked McConkey if there are any studies on impacts near the border on businesses.

If implemented, McConkey said the state will be the 27th lowest in per mile cost still. McConkey said the bill would also increase from seven to 14 days the amount of time for those with NH license plates to pay for a toll adding there are other states that also have different rates for out-of-state users.

The Hampton toll cost would go from $2 to $3, while Hooksett and Bedford would rise from $1 to $2 for out-of-state plates.

New Hampshire currently has the lowest rate per mile among states with tolls roads.
The governor said she does not support a toll increase.