Who Is Running for New Hampshire Governor
Governor Kelly Ayotte, a Republican, is running for a second two-year term against Democrat Cinde Warmington and Libertarian Stephen Villee on November 3, 2026 (Ballotpedia).
Key facts
- The general election is November 3, 2026, and New Hampshire voters can register at the polls on Election Day.
- New Hampshire elects its governor every two years, and the constitution sets no limit on terms.
- New Hampshire has no lieutenant governor. The Senate President acts as governor if the office becomes vacant.
- The term that begins January 6, 2027 runs two years.
Candidates for New Hampshire governor on the November 3, 2026 ballot
Source: Ballotpedia, New Hampshire gubernatorial election, 2026, as of 2026-10-14
New Hampshire Elects Its Governor Every Two Years
The state constitution has the governor “chosen biennially in the month of November,” so New Hampshire elects a governor every two years rather than every four. The winner needs a plurality, the most votes. If no one has a plurality, the Senate and House choose between the top two by joint ballot (N.H. Constitution, Part II, Art. 42).
The same article requires a governor to be at least 30 years old and to have lived in the state for the seven years before the election.
New Hampshire Governor Primary Results
Kelly Ayotte won the Republican primary on September 8, 2026 with 91.1% of the vote. Cinde Warmington won the Democratic primary with 96.3% of 131,011 votes. Warmington had no opponent on the Democratic ballot; the rest of that vote was write-ins. Ballotpedia lists the Democratic primary as certified and does not mark the Republican one (Ballotpedia).
| Category | Value |
|---|---|
| Kelly Ayotte | 91.1% |
| Shaun Fife | 4.1% |
| Robert McClory | 3.6% |
Source: Ballotpedia. 62,830 votes, including 762 for other or write-in candidates.
The 2024 New Hampshire Governor Result
In 2024, Kelly Ayotte won an open seat over Democrat Joyce Craig by 75,973 votes out of 813,497 cast. Stephen Villee, the Libertarian nominee again in 2026, took 2%.
| Category | Value |
|---|---|
| Kelly Ayotte (R) | 53.6% |
| Joyce Craig (D) | 44.3% |
| Stephen Villee (L) | 2% |
Source: Ballotpedia, certified results.
This page carries no polls or race ratings (Ballotpedia).
The New Hampshire Legislature and the Veto
Republicans hold 16 of 24 Senate seats and 212 of 400 House seats, Ballotpedia counts. Democrats hold 8 and 169; the House also has 18 vacancies. The General Court’s own member file, last updated August 21, 2026, matches the Senate count.
Overriding a veto takes two-thirds of each house, which is 16 senators and 267 representatives if every member votes (Part II, Art. 44). Every seat in both chambers is on the November 3 ballot, and the new General Court meets to organize on December 2, 2026.
What the New Hampshire Governor Can Do
New Hampshire’s governor signs or vetoes the bills the General Court passes and shares several powers with the Executive Council (N.H. Constitution, Part II).
Powers and rules of the New Hampshire governor
Source: New Hampshire Constitution, Part II
How to Vote for Governor in New Hampshire
Register with your town or city clerk by October 21, 2026, or register at your polling place on Election Day. New Hampshire has no online registration. An absentee ballot requires a reason that state law accepts, and it must arrive by 5:00 p.m. on November 3, 2026 (New Hampshire Secretary of State).
New Hampshire's 2026 governor election, step by step
- October 21, 2026 Last day to register with your clerk After this, register at your polling place on Election Day.
- November 2, 2026 Last day to request an absentee ballot Absentee voting requires a qualifying reason.
- November 3, 2026 Election Day Vote in person, or make sure your absentee ballot has arrived.
- January 6, 2027 Term begins The winner serves a two-year term.
Our 2026 governor races guide covers all 36 races on the ballot this year, and our New Hampshire Senate race guide covers the open U.S. Senate seat.
New Hampshire Governor Questions
Who is running for governor of New Hampshire in 2026?
Governor Kelly Ayotte, a Republican, faces Democrat Cinde Warmington and Libertarian Stephen Villee on November 3, 2026.
How long is a New Hampshire governor’s term?
Two years. The state constitution has the governor chosen every two years in November, and it sets no limit on the number of terms. The term on this ballot begins January 6, 2027.
What happens if no one wins a plurality for New Hampshire governor?
The state Senate and House choose between the two candidates with the most votes by joint ballot, under Part II, Article 42 of the state constitution.
Can I register to vote on Election Day in New Hampshire?
Yes. You can register at your polling place on Election Day, or with your town or city clerk by October 21, 2026. New Hampshire has no online registration.
What You Can Do
- Check your registration with your town or city clerk, or plan to register at the polls on Election Day.
- Request an absentee ballot by November 2, 2026 if you qualify, and return it by 5:00 p.m. on November 3, 2026.
- Find your state senator and representatives on the General Court’s Senate roster and House member list.
- Read up on the issues on the ballot in New Hampshire: the minimum wage, abortion laws and marijuana laws.