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EXCLUSIVE: CONCORD, N.H. — Kelly Ayotte will be sworn in as the nation’s newest governor during an inauguration ceremony Thursday at the New Hampshire Statehouse.
The former senator, who previously served as state attorney general, will take office in the key New England battleground state a week and a half before President-elect Trump takes office.
And Ayotte, who will succeed fellow Republican Gov. Chris Sununu at the helm of the Granite State, said she looks forward to working with the Trump administration.
“I will work with the administration on behalf of New Hampshire and advocate for the Granite State on important priorities here. It’s about making sure we do what we say we’re going to do. We’re willing to work with the administration,” Ayotte said in an exclusive national interview with FOX News Digital ahead of her appointment.
Comeback Kid: Former Republican rising star rises again with big gubernatorial victory
Former Sen. Kelly Ayotte, New Hampshire’s Republican gubernatorial candidate, celebrates her victory in the November 5, 2024 gubernatorial election. (Kelly Ayotte camp)
Last year’s gubernatorial race, which culminated with Ayotte defeating Democratic gubernatorial candidate and former Manchester Mayor Joyce Craig by nearly 10 points in the November election, was a battle between illegal immigration and border security in the state that borders Canada. The problem often attracted attention. And we’ve been dealing with the acute fentanyl crisis for a long time.
What’s next for this popular Republican governor who has decided not to seek re-election?
Ayotte, who campaigned on a campaign promise to stop New Hampshire from becoming a haven for illegal immigrants, will have something Sununu hasn’t had for the past four years: a Republican in the White House.
“President Trump is going to enforce the law, and that’s important to me. And we have a northern border.”
Former U.S. senator and Republican governor-elect Kelly Ayotte is interviewed by FOX News Digital at the state capitol in Concord, New Hampshire, on January 7, 2024. (Fox News – Paul Steinhauser)
“I believe it’s important that criminals be held accountable,” Ayotte said, referring to her tenure as state attorney general. “And when you look at New Hampshire, we allow New Hampshire to become a sanctuary state. I don’t intend to. So it’s important.” We welcome legal immigrants, but illegal immigrants must be held accountable, especially those who commit crimes. ”
Ayotte was elected to the U.S. Senate in 2010 and was considered a rising star in the Republican Party and a leader on national security and foreign policy.
However, Ayotte lost re-election in 2016 to then-Democratic Gov. Maggie Hassan by just over 1,000 votes.
Governor-elect Kelly Ayotte (left) and Governor Chris Sununu meet in the New Hampshire Governor’s Office at the State Capitol on November 7, 2024 in Concord, New Hampshire. (New Hampshire Governor’s Office)
Now, as she takes over the running of the Granite State, she says, “My first priority is to be a governor for everyone, for all people, and to be a governor that is accessible to the people of New Hampshire.” ” he said.
“From day one, my commitment has been to ensure that our economy, prosperity and freedom continue to grow here in New Hampshire, and to ensure we have a responsible budget that allows us to live within our means and effectively serve the people of New Hampshire. ‘s priority,’ she added.
Ayotte, who made history nearly 20 years ago as the state’s first female attorney general, made history again in November as the first Republican woman to win the New Hampshire gubernatorial election.
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“There are many strong women who have served this state with a great history,” Ayotte said. “There are many examples of women becoming leaders, and there are many examples of great men becoming leaders.”
She said, “The hope is that every young girl out there understands that no matter what position she strives for, it is given to her, and that whether a woman is chosen or a man is chosen. We don’t even have a debate about who gets chosen, because it’s equal.” I think everyone needs to understand that they have that opportunity, and I think that’s what’s happening in New Hampshire. ”
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