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.

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.

Follow live updates from Seacoast NH polls all day and results from races from president to US House, governor and NH legislature.

Republican former Sen. Kelly Ayotte will win the New Hampshire governor’s race, CNN projects, completing a political comeback eight years after she lost her Senate seat.

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.

Former U.S. Sen. Kelly Ayotte is poised to become the next governor of New Hampshire. With about 56% of the vote tallied, the Associated Press projected Ayotte's victory as she held a lead of 51.7% over her opponent, former Manchester Mayor Joyce Craig who had 46.2%. Craig called Ayotte to concede just before 10 p.m.

Former GOP Sen. Kelly Ayotte defeated Democratic challenger Joyce Craig, a former mayor, to win the New Hampshire governorship in a tossup state, the Associated Press projected. With 57% of the vote tallied,

Republican Kelly Ayotte won the New Hampshire governor's race on Tuesday, The Associated Press projected, defeating Democrat Joyce Craig in one of the nation's only closely fought gubernatorial contests.

Former Republican U.S. Sen. Kelly Ayotte has won the New Hampshire governor’s race over former Manchester Mayor Joyce Craig.

Republican Kelly Ayotte wins the race for governor in New Hampshire over Democrat Joyce Craig in what was described as the most competitive race for governor in the country this year.