Republican Kelly Ayotte, a former senator from New Hampshire, reportedly declared her candidacy for governor in 2024 on Monday.
Despite having one of the best popularity ratings among governors, Gov. Chris Sununu (R-NH) declared last week that he will not run for reelection in the state.
The Republican from New Hampshire represented the state in the Senate from 2011 to 2017, when she was defeated in her reelection campaign by Sen. Maggie Hassan (D-NH).
“I want to thank Governor Sununu and Valerie for their dedicated service to New Hampshire over the past seven years. Governor Sununu is an excellent leader who has worked hard to defend our Live Free or Die values and improve New Hampshire’s quality of life.” Ayotte said in a statement.
Chuck Morse, a former state senator and current Republican candidate for governor, has also announced his candidacy.
Democrats Both Executive Councilor Cinde Warmington and Manchester Mayor Joyce Craig have declared their candidacy.
According to reports, Ayotte included a list of endorsements in her announcement, including those from Rochester Mayor Paul Callaghan, former Massachusetts Sen. Scott Brown, former New Hampshire Gov. Craig Benson, and former New Hampshire Sen. Judd Gregg.
[READ MORE: Federal Judge Strikes Down Law Protecting Women’s Sports]