New Hampshire Republicans are increasingly walking on eggshells as they navigate the growing influence of Trumpism in the state. The 2024 presidential victory has led to a shift in party dynamics, with moderates "laying low" and Trump's right-wing supporters gaining momentum.
Governor Kelly Ayotte is trying to stay within the party's mainstream, while still championing some of the administration's policies. However, this delicate balancing act may not be enough to shield her from challenges from within the party. A prominent national Republican official revealed that Corey Lewandowski, a Trump ally and former chief of staff, is considering a bid for Ayotte's seat.
John Sununu, a longtime Republican Senator from New Hampshire, has emerged as a potential candidate to challenge Democratic Senator Jeanne Shaheen in 2026. However, his own views on Trump are more nuanced than those of some of his fellow Republicans. While he has criticized the president, Sununu has also expressed a desire to distance himself from Trump's brand of politics.
The challenge for New Hampshire Republicans is finding a balance between staying true to the state's traditional Republican values and conforming to the increasingly dominant influence of Trumpism. Thomas Rath, a former attorney general and member of the RNC Rules Committee, believes that governing from the center is key to success in the state. "Governing from the middle" is what wins elections for Republicans in New Hampshire, according to Rath.
As Ayotte and Sununu navigate these complex waters, they face an uncertain future. The party's control may be complete, but there is a growing dissent within its ranks. Kathleen Sullivan, an attorney and former chair of the New Hampshire Democratic Party, believes that Ayotte has enough support in the state to hold off a challenger for now. However, Sullivan also notes that Ayotte is struggling to navigate her role as governor while staying true to the party's Trumpier wing.
The stakes are high in New Hampshire, where politics have long been known for their unpredictability and feisty attitude. As Trumpism continues to exert its influence on state politics, one thing is clear: the traditional Republican Party of New Hampshire is undergoing a profound transformation.
Governor Kelly Ayotte is trying to stay within the party's mainstream, while still championing some of the administration's policies. However, this delicate balancing act may not be enough to shield her from challenges from within the party. A prominent national Republican official revealed that Corey Lewandowski, a Trump ally and former chief of staff, is considering a bid for Ayotte's seat.
John Sununu, a longtime Republican Senator from New Hampshire, has emerged as a potential candidate to challenge Democratic Senator Jeanne Shaheen in 2026. However, his own views on Trump are more nuanced than those of some of his fellow Republicans. While he has criticized the president, Sununu has also expressed a desire to distance himself from Trump's brand of politics.
The challenge for New Hampshire Republicans is finding a balance between staying true to the state's traditional Republican values and conforming to the increasingly dominant influence of Trumpism. Thomas Rath, a former attorney general and member of the RNC Rules Committee, believes that governing from the center is key to success in the state. "Governing from the middle" is what wins elections for Republicans in New Hampshire, according to Rath.
As Ayotte and Sununu navigate these complex waters, they face an uncertain future. The party's control may be complete, but there is a growing dissent within its ranks. Kathleen Sullivan, an attorney and former chair of the New Hampshire Democratic Party, believes that Ayotte has enough support in the state to hold off a challenger for now. However, Sullivan also notes that Ayotte is struggling to navigate her role as governor while staying true to the party's Trumpier wing.
The stakes are high in New Hampshire, where politics have long been known for their unpredictability and feisty attitude. As Trumpism continues to exert its influence on state politics, one thing is clear: the traditional Republican Party of New Hampshire is undergoing a profound transformation.
you know what's crazy about all this trumpism influencing things? it's like they're trying to fit a square peg into a round hole... but the more they try to force it, the more it just kinda... squishes... the whole system becomes all weird and unbalanced. it's like, if you want to stay relevant, you gotta find that sweet spot where everyone gets along 
but with trumpism around, it feels like there's always gonna be a big ol' elephant in the room 
just waiting to trample anyone who doesn't agree... maybe the key is not trying to fit in, but being the square peg instead?
... like, you have moderates laying low and all these right-wing supporters gaining momentum 
... it's making the party dynamics super weird. And Ayotte trying to stay mainstream while still backing some of those policies? That's gonna be a challenge for her 
... Corey Lewandowski even thinking about running against her?! 
... meanwhile, Sununu is like, "I'm good, I'll just distance myself from Trump" 
... it's like the party is stuck in this limbo where they don't wanna be too left or right, but Trumpism is dictating what's cool 
... Rath says governing from the center is key? Yeah, sounds like a solid strategy... but I guess we'll just have to wait and see how it all plays out 
But seriously, it's gonna be interesting to see how this plays out in the next election. I've been following Corey Lewandowski's moves and it seems like he's definitely got his sights set on Ayotte's seat... 
It's all about the money and power, and Trumpism is just a cover for it 
Kelly Ayotte thinks she can play both sides, but that's just a losing game 
She's gonna get eaten alive by her own party if they're not careful. And Sununu, well, he's just trying to stay relevant 
The thing is, no one knows what Trump really wants or believes in 
He's just using his followers for his own gain 
... anyway, feels like we'll be seeing some interesting developments in nh politics 
. And Sununu's trying to distance himself from Trump, but is that gonna be enough? 
. I'm not sure what the future holds for New Hampshire politics, but one thing's for sure: it's gonna be a wild ride 
This shift has led to increased polarization within the party, with moderates like Gov. Ayotte getting squeezed out by Trump's base. Meanwhile, former Senator Sununu is trying to stay relevant by distancing himself from Trump's politics... but will it be enough? 
What do u think? Should N.H. Republicans adapt to Trumpism or stick with their traditional values? 
. Meanwhile, Ayotte's trying to play it cool, but I think she's dancing on a tightrope over there - one wrong move and she'll be the next casualty of the Trumpification 
, and only time will tell who comes out on top 
. And Corey Lewandowski throwing his hat into the ring for her seat? That's just trouble 
. On the other hand, John Sununu seems more level-headed about it all and I think he might be the one who can bring some much-needed stability to the state's Republican Party 
. The key is gonna be finding that middle ground, you know? 
. But on the other hand, I'm like, what if this just leads to more division and stuff? Like, can't we just find some middle ground or something? 
. and let's be real, who needs that kind of drama in their governor's office? Sununu is probs gonna run though, I can already see the ads 
. but like, isn't he the one who said Trump was "unelectable" back in the day? 
. I mean, can't they just take a hard line on some issues? seems like the perfect way for Ayotte to build up her credibility 
.
. Like, if he runs against her, it could get pretty ugly for her campaign 
. But honestly, can't we all just get along and govern from the middle? 
#Trumpism #NewHampshirePolitics #PartyDrama
