The election of Republican Kelly Ayotte as New Hampshire’s governor means 13 women will serve as a state’s chief executive next year, breaking the record of 12 set after the 2022 elections. Governors hold powerful sway in American politics,

The New Hampshire governor's race comes down to one candidate who is trying to jump from local to statewide office and another who wants to bring federal experience to the Statehouse.

Ayotte or Craig will replace Republican Chris Sununu, who announced last year that he would not be seeking reelection. Sununu has been in office since 2016, serving four two-year terms. Before announcing he would not seek reelection, Sununu considered becoming a candidate for president, but he eventually decided not to run.

Ms. Ayotte entered the race with greater name recognition than the Democrat, Joyce Craig, and was seen as a natural successor to Gov. Chris Sununu, a moderate Republican.

New Hampshire Gov.-elect Kelly Ayotte announced the two people who will head up her transition team on Monday morning. Ayotte said in a statement that Hillsborough County Sheriff Christopher Connelly and Bedford businessman Andy Crews will serve as co-chairs of her transition team.

Gov.-Elect Kelly Ayotte on Monday named Hillsborough County Sheriff Christopher Connelly and Bedford businessman Andy Crews to lead her transition team.