Ayotte Embraces Trump Support in New Hampshire Gubernatorial Race

Former Sen. Kelly Ayotte, a Republican running for governor in New Hampshire, has endorsed former President Trump and expressed her willingness to welcome his support.

As the highly competitive gubernatorial race in New Hampshire heats up, former Sen. Kelly Ayotte, a Republican front-runner, has made her position clear: she supports former President Trump's bid to return to the White House.

"Under Joe Biden things cost more, we're less safe. There's no question that we are worse off than we were than when President Trump was in office," Ayotte asserted in an exclusive interview with Fox News Digital. "I'm supporting President Trump because I believe we need to change courses for the nation."

Ayotte Embraces Trump Support in New Hampshire Gubernatorial Race

Her endorsement of Trump, the presumptive Republican presidential nominee, aligns with the vast majority of Republicans running for elective office in 2024, given Trump's immense grip over the party. However, for Ayotte, it carries particular significance.

In 2016, Ayotte, then a rising star in the GOP, withdrew her support for Trump over his controversial "Access Hollywood" comments. This decision may have cost her re-election, as she lost by a razor-thin margin to then-Democratic Gov. Maggie Hassan.

Ayotte Embraces Trump Support in New Hampshire Gubernatorial Race

Despite her previous stance, Ayotte has since come around to supporting Trump. She endorsed him in early March of this year, stating that he would "fix the disaster over the southern border," ensure the country's safety, and provide a different vision for freedom and taxes.

Ayotte's endorsement of Trump has drawn both praise and criticism from her opponents. While she has expressed her appreciation for the former president's support, she emphasized that her campaign's focus remains on earning the support of New Hampshire voters.

Ayotte Embraces Trump Support in New Hampshire Gubernatorial Race

Ayotte also praised the leadership of current Republican Gov. Chris Sununu, who has remained neutral in the race. She expressed her desire to continue Sununu's policies of prosperity and freedom.

In her interview with Fox News, Ayotte criticized her Democratic opponents, former Manchester Mayor Joyce Craig and executive councilor Cinde Warmington, accusing them of embracing a "Massachusetts model" for New Hampshire.

Ayotte Embraces Trump Support in New Hampshire Gubernatorial Race

The Democratic Governors Association countered by accusing Ayotte of being a "self-serving politician" who would prioritize her own interests over those of Granite Staters.

Ayotte, however, dismissed these criticisms, emphasizing that she would protect New Hampshire's current abortion law, which allows for abortions through the first 24 weeks of pregnancy.

Ayotte Embraces Trump Support in New Hampshire Gubernatorial Race

"As governor, I will protect that law. I will not change it," Ayotte stated. "I want them to know what our law, that I will protect it and that I won't change it."

While Trump remains neutral in the New Hampshire gubernatorial race, Ayotte has indicated that she would welcome his endorsement and would be willing to campaign with him in the state.

With the primaries scheduled for early September, the New Hampshire gubernatorial race is expected to be fiercely contested. Ayotte's endorsement of Trump and her focus on attracting the support of voters will likely be key factors in determining the outcome.