Sununu backs Kelly Ayotte in New Hampshire GOP gubernatorial primary

New Hampshire Gov. Chris Sununu (R) is backing former Sen. Kelly Ayotte (R-N.H.) over former state Senate President Chuck Morse (R) in the GOP gubernatorial primary. 

“Kelly understands that with strong fiscal responsibility, limited government, and local control, New Hampshire has set the Gold Standard for the rest of the country to follow,” Sununu said in a statement shared through Ayotte’s campaign Wednesday. 

“Kelly connects with people and has always put individuals and families first. She’s the Republican who will win in November and hit the ground running in January. Count me in as an enthusiastic supporter of Kelly Ayotte for Governor!” 

Ayotte and Morse are among a handful of Republicans looking to get the GOP nod to replace Sununu as governor.

Three Democrats are also running to replace him: former Manchester Mayor Joyce Craig, Executive Councilor Cinde Warmington and restaurant owner Jonathan Kiper.  

Sununu, who’s in his fourth term, opted against running for another term. The primaries for the New Hampshire gubernatorial race are Sept. 10.  

The former senator said in a statement she was “proud” to have the popular Republican’s endorsement. Ayotte’s campaign said she would campaign Thursday with Sununu in the state. 

“Under Governor Sununu’s leadership, New Hampshire is the best place in the country to live, work, and raise a family, and when I’m Governor, I will work tirelessly to keep us moving in the right direction,” Ayotte said. 

The nonpartisan election handicapper Cook Political Report rates the race a “toss up.”