New Hampshire Gov. Chris Sununu (R) announced that he will not run for reelection in 2024. He is one of many moderate Republican governors in liberal states that have chosen to throw in the towel, leaving Democrats hopeful of flipping the seat.
He joins former Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan and former Massachusetts Gov. Charlie Baker, who seized their seats to Democratic control following their terms in office.
During his announcement, Sununu explained that “public service should never be a career, and the time is right for another Republican to lead our great state.”
Fiscally conservative but socially moderate Republican governors have reigned in blue and purple states for quite some time. Appealing to voters on both sides of the aisle has helped them to leverage a place in Northeastern states, many beating their Democratic opponents by wide margins. However, they seem to be edging towards extinction.
Sununu’s exit shortens the list of Republican governors in Democratic states, which includes Gov. Joe Lombardo of Nevada and Gov. Phil Scott in Vermont. The dwindling number of moderate officials across the country indicates the polarizing nature of the current political landscape.
Donald Trump‘s rise as the leader of the Republican party has blurred the lines between moderate and extremist conservatives. The GOP is divided by conflicting ideals, with far-right members trying to oust those who are comfortable accommodating both major parties.
Moderate Republicans are worried that inter-partisan turmoil will leave the New Hampshire seat wide open for Democrats.
Democratic officials are eyeing Sununu’s gubernatorial position and believe it to be their best chance at flipping a seat in 2024.
