New Hampshire Gov. Sununu says he won’t seek another term in 2024

New Hampshire Gov. Chris Sununu announced Wednesday that he won’t seek another term in 2024, about a month after he made it clear he wasn’t throwing his hat into the race for president. And several New Hampshire politicians have already said they are interested in his job.

In a statement, Sununu said, “After discussions with Valerie and the kids and much consideration, I have decided not to run for another term as Governor in 2024. This was no easy decision as I truly love serving as Governor. Public service should never be a career, and the time is right for another Republican to lead our great state. It is with great pride that New Hampshire is better off today than we were seven years ago.”

Sununu is currently in his fourth term serving as governor of the Granite State. The 48-year-old touted his accomplishments to date while assuring residents that the state will continue to be his top priority during his remaining time in office.

“New Hampshire has our lowest unemployment rate ever, we have cut more taxes than any other administration in the history of New Hampshire, invested record amounts in housing, expanded school choice, defended our Second Amendment rights, revamped our addiction and recovery system, rebuilt our mental health system, and delivered full-day kindergarten,” Sununu added. “I could not be more proud of our record in New Hampshire. Be assured we will keep working and that the Granite State will continue to be our priority for the next 18 months.”

RGA Chair Governor Kim Reynolds thanked Sununu for his model leadership.

“Governor Chris Sununu has been a tireless leader for the Granite State over his four terms as New Hampshire’s Governor, and we thank him for his incredible record of service,” Reynolds said in a statement. “New Hampshire now ranks number one in the nation for personal freedom.”

Sununu backed out of the 2024 race for president in June with candidates including former President Donald Trump, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, and former Vice President Mike Pence headlining a packed Republican field.

Former New Hampshire State Senate President Chuck Morse, a Republican, says he will run for governor. He made the announcement shortly after Sununu announced his decision.

“Like most everyone else in New Hampshire I’m thankful for everything that Governor Sununu has done to make New Hampshire the state it is today,” said Morse. “Now that he’s decided not to run for re-election, I’m announcing that I am running for Governor to build on those successes.”

Former US Senator Kelly Ayotte also appears ready to run, saying “I look forward to announcing some big news in the coming days.”

Ayotte, also a Republican, said “I fear were are one election away from turning into Massachusetts,” in a post to Twitter.

The mayor of Manchester, New Hampshire also announced plans to run for governor. Joyce Craig is a Democrat.

“Together, we can ensure that every Granite Stater has the opportunity to succeed by strengthening our public schools, creating good-paying jobs, building more affordable housing, and protecting access to abortion,” said Craig.

Craig’s decision to run got an early endorsement from Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey.

“Joyce has delivered again and again for Manchester. Her record of success speaks for itself, " said Healey in a post on social media.

This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available.

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