What They Said: Pols, Pundits React to Sununu's Decision Not to Run

News

Politics

What They Said: Pols, Pundits React to Sununu’s Decision Not to Run

Posted to Politics July 19, 2023 by Michael Graham

Within minutes of Gov. Chris Sununu’s announcement he’s not seeking re-election, Republicans who wanted to replace him were commenting on his departure.

Within hours, the Democratic Governor’s Association had announced a Thursday press conference to attack Republicans and begin making the case for a Democrat in the corner office.

Sununu’s decision is big news on both sides of the aisle. Here are some of the reactions:

RGA Chair Governor Kim Reynolds released the following statement thanking Governor Chris Sununu for his leadership in New Hampshire:

“Governor Chris Sununu has been a tireless leader for the Granite State over his four terms as New Hampshire’s Governor, and we thank him for his incredible record of service.

“Governor Sununu never backed down from a challenge. He made it a priority to deliver balanced budgets, lower taxes, improve education, and address substance use disorders for New Hampshire citizens. And, thanks to Governor Sununu’s leadership, New Hampshire now ranks number one in the nation for personal freedom. I look forward to seeing the work he continues over these next two years.

“The RGA is committed to ensuring the Granite State continues to have the leadership of a Republican Governor who will prioritize the health, safety and prosperity of the people of New Hampshire.”

New Hampshire Democratic Party Chairman Ray Buckley reacts:

“Sununu’s legacy is marked by some of the highest electricity rates, rising housing costs, and property taxes in the nation. Sununu signed the first modern abortion ban in New Hampshire history and, under his leadership, we emerged as the only state in New England without affirmative protections for abortion rights. As he continued to fail Granite Staters, Sununu’s impact on the state can also be observed in his role leading the rapidly shrinking Republican legislative majority in the State House, whose extreme legislation and behavior have become the frequent target of late-night talk shows.”

Americans for Prosperity New Hampshire State Director Greg Moore also released a statement thanking Governor Sununu for the policies he championed:

“Over his four terms, Gov. Sununu built a historic legacy in a number of critical areas. This year, he signed into law a budget that eliminates the state’s interest and dividends tax, which does away with the state’s last income tax. Employers similarly received major tax relief under Sununu, which has made our economy the strongest in the region.

“Every year, more and more people move to New Hampshire and now licensed professionals won’t have to jump through unnecessary hoops to practice their trade, thanks to the state’s new universal recognition of occupational licenses.

“Perhaps most importantly for the future of the state, Sununu supported the creation and expansion of Education Freedom Accounts, which has greatly grown the educational options available to Granite State students and empowered families to seek out the best education to suit their child.

“We thank Governor Sununu for his efforts in these areas and thank him for his work to advance freedom and economic progress.”

“He’s given eight years to NH and has done an excellent job!! I have the utmost respect for him and thank him for his years of hard work and dedication,” said State Rep. Mike Bordes (R-Laconia).

Kayla Montgomery, Vice President of Public Affairs for Planned Parenthood New Hampshire Action Fund, issued the following response:

“Over a decade in politics, Chris Sununu has defunded Planned Parenthood, vetoed legislation to reduce financial barriers to abortion care, signed New Hampshire’s first abortion ban in modern history into law, and refused to take any action to protect Granite Staters’ abortion rights since Roe v. Wade was overturned a year ago.”

Senate President Bradley applauded Sununu’s remarkable contributions to New Hampshire, saying “Governor Sununu’s tenure has been marked by effective governance, thoughtful decision-making, and a deep sense of responsibility to the people of New Hampshire.”

“With Sununu out, Morse in, and more MAGA extremists in the wings, today officially starts the race to the bottom that will be New Hampshire’s crowded Republican primary for governor,” said Democratic Governor’s Association Deputy Communications Director Izzi Levy. “While the Republican candidates scramble to out-MAGA one another, Granite Staters are looking for a leader who will solve some of their toughest challenges. That person is not Chuck Morse or any one of his far-right rivals. We look forward to helping to elect New Hampshire’s next Democratic governor in 2024.”

“We’ll leave it to partisans to debate other aspects of his record, but Granite Staters receiving long-term care owe Gov. Sununu a debt of gratitude for recognizing their needs,” said Brendan Williams of the New Hampshire Health Care Association (NHHCA)

And NHGOP Chairman Chris Ager said in a statement, “Throughout his tenure as the 82nd Governor of New Hampshire, Governor Sununu has exemplified principled leadership, tireless dedication, and an unwavering focus on the well-being of the Granite State.”

“I have had the honor to work with Chris Sununu as he served our state as both Governor and Executive Councilor. More importantly, I got to know Chris Sununu the man. I wish both him, Valerie and the family the best in whatever comes next,” said former state Senator and likely NH-01 2024 GOP candidate Russell Prescott.