(The Center Square) — Republican Kelly Ayotte took over the reins as New Hampshire governor on Thursday, pledging to reach across the political aisle while upholding the state’s anti-tax, pro-business economic policies.
The former U.S. senator and New Hampshire Attorney General took the oath of office as the state’s 83rd governor at the Statehouse in Concord, surrounded by family members, state lawmakers, Supreme Court justices and other officials.
Ayotte, 56, struck a conciliatory tone in her inaugural address, vowing to unify the state after a contentious gubernatorial election that focused on taxes, crime and homelessness.
“I am going to be a governor for all of you, whether you’re a Republican, Democrat, Independent, you name it,” Ayotte said in remarks. “Our state is so much bigger than a party or ideology.”
She also pledged to work with newly expanded Republican majorities in the state House of Representatives and Senate to continue outgoing Gov. Chris Sununu’s anti-tax, pro-business economic policies over the next two years.
Ayotte also vowed to expand New Hampshire’s Education Freedom Accounts, which were authorized in 2021 to divert taxpayer money to send children to religious and private schools and cover homeschooling expenses. She wants to make the school vouchers “universal” for parents, regardless of their income.
However, Ayotte also warned that the state needs to “recalibrate” its budget priorities after years of higher spending and warned of the potential for cuts as she prepares to craft her first budget. She also vowed to protect the state’s most vulnerable residents as her administration seeks to cut costs.
“We are going to have to look to find better ways to do things with fewer dollars,” she said. “Just like that family making hard decisions, there’s things we can’t skimp on — protecting our most vulnerable and serving those most in need.”
The new governor said tackling the state’s housing crisis will be another key plank of her agenda, saying the lack of affordable housing is impacting the state’s economy.
“Our state has so much opportunity, but our lack of housing and sky high costs are making it increasingly difficult for individuals to tap into it,” she said.
Ayotte was elected in the Nov. 5 elections after defeating Democratic former Manchester Mayor Joyce Craig to keep the governor’s office under Republican control for another two years. She ran with support from Sununu, whose decision not to seek a fifth term opened the door for her to run for the open seat.
She is the third woman elected governor of New Hampshire, following Democrats Jeanne Shaheen and Maggie Hassan, both of whom now represent the state in the U.S. Senate.
