Tight Gubernatorial Race in New Hampshire, Trump May Hamper Ayotte's Chances

Former U.S. Sen. Kelly Ayotte faces challenges in New Hampshire's gubernatorial race due to former President Trump's unpopularity in the state and a barrage of negative ads against her.

In the closely contested gubernatorial race in New Hampshire, former U.S. Sen. Kelly Ayotte, the Republican nominee, finds her campaign burdened by former President Donald Trump's unpopularity in the state. Recent polls suggest that Ayotte, despite her name recognition and campaign cash advantage, is facing an uphill battle due to Trump's perceived drag on down-ballot Republicans.

According to the University of New Hampshire Survey Center, Ayotte trails Democratic nominee Joyce Craig by a razor-thin margin of 47%-46%. A poll by the Saint Anselm College Survey Center also indicated a coin-flip race, with Ayotte holding a slight edge.

Tight Gubernatorial Race in New Hampshire, Trump May Hamper Ayotte's Chances

GOP consultant Tom Rath believes that Trump's weak standing in New Hampshire, where he lost by over seven points to President Biden in 2020, is hindering Ayotte's campaign. "Kelly's very popular, but I do think Trump's a burden," Rath said.

A New Hampshire-based Republican strategist echoed this sentiment, stating that "Trump is definitely an anchor on Kelly and her campaign right now." The strategist noted the lack of activity from Trump's campaign in New Hampshire, leaving Ayotte to fend for herself against relentless attacks from her opponents.

Tight Gubernatorial Race in New Hampshire, Trump May Hamper Ayotte's Chances

Another Republican consultant pointed to the meager involvement of national Republican groups in New Hampshire, placing the burden solely on Ayotte's shoulders. "Kelly's out fighting this thing all by herself. That's not a good place to be," they said.

Craig, who narrowly won the Democratic primary, has benefited from Ayotte's negative ratings, which have been driven higher by a barrage of attack ads from Democratic groups. Craig's attacks have focused on Ayotte's ties to Trump and her record in the Senate.

Tight Gubernatorial Race in New Hampshire, Trump May Hamper Ayotte's Chances

Ayotte's support for Trump, after initially withdrawing her endorsement due to the "Access Hollywood" controversy, has also worked against her. Her embrace of Trump, despite his unpopularity in the state, is viewed as a strategic blunder that has alienated moderate voters.

The race is further complicated by the departure of popular Republican Governor Chris Sununu, who decided against running for re-election. Sununu, who enjoyed high approval ratings, endorsed Ayotte, but his absence from the ticket may make it more difficult for her to win over Sununu's supporters.

Tight Gubernatorial Race in New Hampshire, Trump May Hamper Ayotte's Chances

With less than three months to go until Election Day, Ayotte faces an uphill battle to overcome Trump's drag on her campaign and the negative ads that have plagued her. Craig, on the other hand, hopes to ride a wave of anti-Trump sentiment to victory in November.