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New Hampshire

Kelly Ayotte vs. Joyce Craig: 6 issues may decide close NH governor’s race

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Kelly Ayotte vs. Joyce Craig: 6 issues may decide close NH governor’s race


CONCORD — Months of campaigning saw the city of Manchester used for political gain, both candidates sharing personal stories of miscarriage, and New Hampshire awash in political advertising. Now, the most competitive governor’s election in the country, between Republican Kelly Ayotte and Democrat Joyce Craig, is finally upon us.

Polls have shown the race to be neck and neck, with no candidate emerging as a clear favorite. Ayotte, a former U.S. senator, has benefited from name recognition and the endorsement of popular outgoing Republican Gov. Chris Sununu. Craig, former mayor of Manchester, has been lifted by Vice President Kamala Harris’ popularity in the state during a presidential election year and support from Sen. Jeanne Shaheen and other prominent Democrats.

Ayotte and Craig started campaigning against each other even before winning their party nominations in the Sept. 10 primary. Since the beginning, Ayotte has gone after Craig for her tenure in Manchester and Craig has hit Ayotte heavily on the issue of abortion.

Here are six of the defining issues and campaign themes that could be decisive for voters on Tuesday, Nov. 5:

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Abortion has been a top issue throughout the campaign

All year, abortion has played a defining role in the race between Craig and Ayotte.

Craig and New Hampshire Democrats have repeatedly suggested in debates, speaking events, and aggressive advertising that Ayotte is not to be trusted on the issue of abortion and that she might further seek to restrict access in the state. New Hampshire’s current law bans abortion after 24 weeks.

Ayotte has a record of being further to the right on abortion than the average New Hampshire voter. As a senator, she was an original co-sponsor of a bill that would have banned abortion after 20 weeks, she voted several times to defund Planned Parenthood. She also served as the “sherpa” for Supreme Court Justice Neil Gorsuch, who voted to end Roe v. Wade.

Ayotte has said many times she supports New Hampshire’s law and would veto any legislation that aims at restricting it further. She supports abortion being a states’ rights issue and said she would fight to keep it that way at a recent debate.

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The issue has become personal, as both candidates have released television ads describing their own experience with miscarriages.

The city of Manchester caught in the political crossfire

Manchester, New Hampshire’s largest city, has been the subject of the bulk of Ayotte’s attacks on Craig. She has pointed to homelessness and drug use issues in the city, saying that New Hampshire “can’t allow Joyce Craig to do to New Hampshire what she did to Manchester.”

In return, Craig has criticized Ayotte for casting the city in a negative light and instead touted her achievements as mayor, like creating housing and a hot job market while decreasing violent crime and opioid overdoses.

Ayotte running on anti-Massachusetts platform

Massachusetts has been a central theme in Ayotte’s campaign: namely don’t let New Hampshire become like Massachusetts.

“Don’t MASS Up New Hampshire,” her slogan reads.

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That line of messaging includes everything from taxes to immigration: Ayotte has accused Craig of wanting to make New Hampshire a sanctuary state for immigrants and to raise taxes, both of which Craig has denied. And Ayotte has criticized Craig heavily for campaigning with Massachusetts Gov. Maura Healey. 

Her message may resonate with some: a Suffolk/Boston Globe/USA TODAY poll from Oct. 2023 showed 32% of New Hampshire voters likely to vote in the Republican primary thought that too many Massachusetts residents are moving to New Hampshire.

However, she also risks alienating some voters as Massachusetts is the largest source of migrants to New Hampshire, and less than half of the state’s residents were born in the Granite State.

Huge amounts of money raised and spent

It’s the most expensive governor’s race in New Hampshire history.

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Ayotte has raised over $21 million for her New Hampshire gubernatorial campaign, according to the last finance report before the general election on Nov. 5.

Her Democratic opponent, former Manchester mayor, Joyce Craig, has raised a little over $7.3 million.

The bulk of Ayotte’s funds (82%) come from businesses/organizations, and the majority of Craig’s funds (65%) come from individuals.

Political experts in New Hampshire were expecting the cash flow to be high, especially after a scandal in the North Carolina governor’s race made New Hampshire’s race the closest gubernatorial race in the country and freed up national funds.

Indeed, the Republican Governor’s Association’s Live Free PAC has given $12 million to Ayotte, and the Democratic Governor’s Association has donated $1.7 million to Craig. Those numbers don’t include other RGA and DGA funds not directly given to the candidates but that have been used to promote them, as well as other outside groups that have spent money on ads.

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The amount of money means that the regional airwaves have been flooded with Ayotte and Craig ads.

Money is important for messaging through television or online advertising, UNH Survey Center Director Andrew Smith said, but it’s not everything.

“Money doesn’t necessarily win you the race,” Smith said. “You just have to have enough money.”

Both candidates, he said, have enough money.

The Trump factor

Trump has been a thorny issue for Ayotte in both the primary and general election campaign, as well as in past elections. 

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In 2016, Ayotte rescinded her support for Trump after the “Access Hollywood” tape was published, showing him bragging about making sexually aggressive and crude comments towards women. She then lost her Senate seat to Democrat Maggie Hassan in a very close race.

In 2024, Ayotte endorsed Trump but has not made him a central part of her campaign, avoiding a full embrace of him.

At a recent debate, Ayotte sidestepped a question about continuing to support Trump despite his 34 felony convictions, instead explaining that she saw the election as a choice between what the country looked like under his administration vs. President Joe Biden’s administration.

“I think the country was better off just in terms of cost, what we’re paying and safety when he was in office,” she said.

Craig responded by asking Ayotte where she would “draw the line.”

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“Is it when he sexually assaults women? Is it when he boasts about Hitler? Is it when he tries to overthrow democracy?” Craig said.

Ayotte’s poor relationship with the former president as well as his lack of popularity in the state means she will likely have to run far ahead of the former president in New Hampshire to win the election.

Interest and dividends tax a late emerging issue

The interest and dividends tax may sound boring, but it has emerged as a top campaign issue, as recently reported by New Hampshire Bulletin.

The interest and dividends tax is a state tax on distributions, dividends, and interest income often accrued from investments.

Any New Hampshire resident who received more than $2,400 per year from any of those categories – or $4,800 per year if filing jointly – must pay the tax.

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Most Granite Staters do not pay the interest and dividends tax, data shows, and it is largely paid by upper income taxpayers. 

New Hampshire Republicans moved to repeal the interest and dividends tax, which has been phased out since 2022 and will be eliminated for the 2025 tax year and beyond. 

Craig has assailed this choice, portraying the move as a handout to the wealthy. She said she would push to restore the tax and modify it to focus on higher earners.

Ayotte, meanwhile, has attacked that stance and used it to say Craig supports raising taxes.

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Reporting by Ethan DeWitt of New Hampshire Bulletin is used in this report.



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New Hampshire

TRAENE Fitness Pickleball Brings Pickleball Courts And Wellness Options To Dover

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TRAENE Fitness Pickleball Brings Pickleball Courts And Wellness Options To Dover


Dover, New Hampshire is finally going to see something go into the old Ames Building, (same plaza as Hannaford) at 833 Central Avenue.  It’s not just “something,” it’s a Community space we didn’t know we wanted.

Justin Grondahl is the owner of TRAENE Fitness & Pickleball and he’s opening one here in Dover.  He has 63,000 square feet to make beautiful.  Justin is the son of the co-founder of Planet Fitness that started right here in Dover, New Hampshire.

Justin spent some time with me here in the Townsquare Studios and told me everything we can expect.

You will not believe what he has in store for this place.  It makes me want to move to Dover. (although it’s like my 2nd home – I’m here all. the. time.)  Check out what his plans are:

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  • 10 indoor pickleball courts
  • 3,000 Square Foot Classroom for Megaformer Pilates Classes
  • 20,000 square feet of just gym equipment
  • 2 Cold Plunges
  • 3 Saunas, with three floors.  Lots of people can fit into them
  • Big Locker Rooms
  • Red Light Beds
  • Massage Chairs
  • Massage Beds
  • Tanning Booths

TRAENE Recently Added a Peptide Clinic to their Plans

If you are unfamiliar with peptides, they are chains of amino acids that help you heal injuries, build muscles and in some cases, lose weight.

After Justin told me all this, I asked if they will have food and drinks too because it was the only thing I could think of that they didn’t mention!  He said, “yes, we’ll have something.”

What’s Up With the Penguin?

When Justin came into the studio, he had a TRAENE branded shirt that included a penguin.  When I asked him why a Penguin, he said that it has always been his favorite animal because they are very tied to their Community.  They never really leave and they are always together.

READ THIS:  6 Reason’s Why Brown’s Lobster Shack is a NH Seafood Treasure

Justin is already under construction of TRAENE.  He said they should be open in the Fall of 2026.

Another incredible perk of being part of the TRAENE community is they are going to pick between 10 – 15 Members of the Month who are going to get rewards like:

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  • Renting out a race track
  • Limo service to Bruins or Celtics games, whichever the member chooses

These trips will be all paid for, all free, Justin said.

New Fitness & Pickeball Center Opening Up in the Fall of 2026 in Dover, NH

As soon as I hear about when TRAENE is opening, I’ll let you know and you and I can get our pickleball team together.  Justin did say sometime in the fall, but no specific date.. yet.

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All Team USA New England Athletes Who Won Medals at the 2026 Winter Olympics

As of Sunday, February 22, 2026, 10 athletes from New England won medals in the 2026 Winter Olympics.

Gallery Credit: Sean McKenna





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NH Lottery Pick 3 Day, Pick 3 Evening winning numbers for April 19, 2026

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The New Hampshire Lottery offers several draw games for those aiming to win big.

Here’s a look at Sunday, April 19, 2026 results for each game:

Winning Pick 3 numbers from April 19 drawing

Day: 8-6-2

Evening: 8-8-9

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Check Pick 3 payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Pick 4 numbers from April 19 drawing

Day: 7-6-9-2

Evening: 6-5-8-4

Check Pick 4 payouts and previous drawings here.

Feeling lucky? Explore the latest lottery news & results

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When are the New Hampshire Lottery drawings held?

  • Powerball: 10:59 p.m. Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday.
  • Pick 3, 4: 1:10 p.m. and 6:55 p.m. daily.
  • Mega Millions: 11:00 p.m. Tuesday and Friday.
  • Megabucks Plus: 7:59 p.m. Monday, Wednesday and Saturday.
  • Lucky for Life: 10:38 p.m. daily.
  • Gimme 5: 6:55 p.m. Monday through Friday.
  • Millionaire for Life: 11:15 p.m. daily.

This results page was generated automatically using information from TinBu and a template written and reviewed by a New Hampshire managing editor. You can send feedback using this form.



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‘Not cosmetic’: NH lawmaker wants state to cover GLP-1 drugs for weight loss – Concord Monitor

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‘Not cosmetic’: NH lawmaker wants state to cover GLP-1 drugs for weight loss – Concord Monitor


Two years ago, Sue Prentiss got a sobering reality check at her doctor’s office. The news was blunt: She qualified for bariatric surgery, a procedure for patients whose weight poses life-threatening risks.

She was aware of her weight and had tried everything from high-intensity workouts to weight loss programs and diets. Nothing seemed to help until she started taking GLP-1 medications.

Prentiss said between then and now, she had lost almost 80 pounds. 

But at a $500 out-of-pocket monthly fee, every refill is a financial pinch.

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“I’m just getting by, but I’m so much healthier, and if this can work for me, think about everybody else’s life where this would impact,” said Prentiss, a state senator.

To keep up with the cost, she’s made hard choices like cutting back on retirement contributions and squeezing her budget wherever possible.

Sen. Sue Prentiss Credit: Courtesy

Now, Prentiss is sponsoring Senate Bill 455, which would require the state to provide GLP-1 medications under the state Medicaid plan as a treatment for people with obesity.

As of January, New Hampshire’s Medicaid program has ended coverage for GLP-1 drugs like Saxenda, Wegovy and Zepbound for weight loss. The state still covers the medications when they’re part of a treatment plan for other chronic conditions, such as type 2 diabetes, certain cardiovascular diseases, severe sleep apnea and Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatohepatitis (MASH).

According to the New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services, the state paid managed care organizations $49.5 million to cover GLP-1 medications between July 1, 2025, and June 30, 2026. The policy change in January reduced that cost to $41 million.

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With these drugs gaining popularity, the state estimated that if were to resume covering GLP-1s for weight loss, it would need to spend an additional $24.2 million on top of the $41 million per fiscal year.

Jonathan Ballard, chief medical officer at DHHS, said the agency opposes the bill, which would require Medicaid coverage for anyone with a body mass index above 30 seeking GLP-1 medications specifically for weight loss.

Ballard said the state cannot afford such an expansion when budgets are already tight.

“The department does not have this money today,” he said. “So, living within the realities of our current budget, there will be significant trade-offs. We will have to cut other things that are very important to the health and well-being of New Hampshire to pay for this unless there’s some change.”

GLP-1 drugs carry a steep price tag that puts significant pressure on state budgets, particularly within Medicaid programs. Several states, including California, Pennsylvania and South Carolina, have moved to drop coverage of these medications for weight loss.

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Prentiss initially drafted her legislation with private insurers in mind, but later pivoted to focus on Medicaid to serve more vulnerable populations. She is covered by commercial insurance and said the outcome of the bill will not personally affect her.

Lost coverage

GLP-1 medications mimic a natural hormone in the gut that helps regulate blood sugar, digestion and appetite.

Sarah Finn, section chief for obesity medicine at Dartmouth Health, said she has seen firsthand the impact on her patients after the state dropped Medicaid coverage for weight-loss GLP-1 drugs. 

Without access to these medications, patients experience increased hunger, cravings and persistent “food noise,” as their bodies attempt to return to a higher fat percentage, a process known as metabolic adaptation, she said.

“This is the reality of the state I’m in right now, where I don’t have options except bariatric surgery for my Medicaid patients and a lot of times patients don’t want to do a surgery,” said Finn, at a hearing for the bill on Wednesday. “What I have to tell that patient is there’s nothing I could do to advocate.”

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The Department of Health and Human Services faced a $51 million budget cut when the New Hampshire Legislature passed its biennial budget last year, forcing the department to reduce several services.

While Prentiss acknowledges the financial strain on the department, she wants the state to consider the long-term impact of using GLP-1s to prevent chronic conditions like diabetes, which is largely linked to weight gain and can drive up costs for the state over time.

“By driving down obesity, we can drive down the costs that are related to it,” she said. 

Prentiss remains on GLP-1 medications and said she feels much healthier than before.

She said that after a few months on the drugs, her blood sugar levels and kidney function began trending toward more normal ranges.

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“It’s not cosmetic,” she said. “Obesity is a medical condition.”



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