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. Governors hold powerful sway in American politics,

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.

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.

Ms. Ayotte entered the race with greater name recognition than the Democrat, Joyce Craig, and was seen as a natural successor to Gov. Chris Sununu, a moderate Republican.

Thirteen women will serve as state chief executives next year, breaking the record of 12 set after the 2022 elections.

Get real-time breaking news updates on the biggest event unfolding in the United States, including election, politics, economics, crime, viral and more.

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. Governors hold powerful sway in American politics,