In a surprise reversal, Gov. Kelly Ayotte announced Tuesday that she will, in fact, nominate Attorney General John Formella to another four-year term as the state’s top law enforcement official, after saying she’d made a different decision in March.
“Over the last several months, I appreciated the opportunity to work closely with Attorney General Formella and see firsthand his commitment to keeping our state the safest in the nation,” Ayotte said in a statement. “Together, we will ensure New Hampshire continues to support law enforcement, keep violent criminals off our streets, and protect victims.”
In March, Ayotte said Formella would merely serve “in holdover,” while she considered the future of the Department of Justice.
Formella, 38, has served as attorney general since April 2021, when he was appointed by then-Gov. Chris Sununu and confirmed by the Executive Council in a 4-1 vote. A native of Minnesota and graduate of George Washington University Law School, he previously worked in private practice and as Sununu’s legal counsel before taking over the Department of Justice.
“I am honored that Gov. Ayotte has chosen to nominate me for another term as attorney general,” Formella said Tuesday. “I thank the governor for this opportunity to continue working together to confront the challenges facing our state and to protect the safety and rights of all New Hampshire citizens. It remains a privilege to serve alongside the dedicated professionals at the Department of Justice. If confirmed by the Executive Council, I will continue to bring my full commitment to this Office and the people of New Hampshire.”
Formella already has the support of Executive Councilor John Stephen (R-Manchester), who took to Twitter/X to praise the attorney general.
“Congratulations to General Formella on his renomination. He has been nothing but professional, prompt, and responsive during my tenure on the council, and I look forward to continuing to work with him in his second term as the state’s attorney general. We’ve got important issues to tackle!”
As attorney general, Formella has overseen major settlements in the state’s lawsuits against opioid manufacturers and distributors, securing New Hampshire’s share of a $21 billion national agreement. He also launched a new Data Privacy Unit within the Department of Justice, pursued civil rights cases against extremist groups, and joined multistate actions challenging federal vaccine mandates and firearm regulations.
Formella’s leadership has extended beyond New Hampshire. In 2024, he was elected president of the National Association of Attorneys General, where his 2025 presidential initiative focuses on combating fentanyl, methamphetamine, and other drug trafficking across the country.
With Tuesday’s announcement, Ayotte made clear she wants continuity at the state’s top law enforcement post.
Formella’s renomination will go before the Executive Council for confirmation.
