New Hampshire, often considered the most Republican state in liberal New England, has a unique blend of conservative and moderate elements that have kept the state's politics relatively competitive. However, with Donald Trump's 2024 victory, the state's Republicans are facing increasing pressure from the MAGA movement within the state.
According to Andrew Smith, director at the University of New Hampshire Survey Center, moderates in the state "are laying low" as a result of Trump's rise. The state's Republican Party is now divided between those who support Trump and those who do not. Those who do not support Trump are often referred to as "never-Trumpers," but they are struggling to maintain their influence.
Governor Kelly Ayotte, a moderate Republican, has attempted to navigate this divide by taking a more centrist approach. She has championed her Commission on Government Efficiency (COGE) and reversed some of the Department of Education's decisions that were made during Trump's administration. However, her efforts to balance between staying true to New Hampshire's classic Republican politics and confronting Trumpism have raised questions about her loyalty.
Dante Scala, a political science professor at the University of New Hampshire, notes that Ayotte is trying to channel a "New Hampshire-first" approach, dealing with Trump as little as possible while finding common cause when needed. However, some critics argue that this approach may not be enough to shield her from Trump's influence.
The state's Senate seat will also come up for grabs in 2026, creating an opportunity for Republicans to add a conservative member to the federal delegation. The primary is likely to be intense, with former Senator John E. Sununu facing off against Scott Brown, a former Senator from Massachusetts and Trump appointee.
Sununu has a significant lead over Brown in favorability polls and is seen as the more attractive candidate. However, it remains to be seen whether his moderate credentials will be enough to win over voters who are increasingly aligned with Trump's agenda.
New Hampshire Republicans are walking a fine line between staying true to their traditional values and accommodating Trump's influence. Thomas Rath, former attorney general of New Hampshire, notes that the party is facing a "real conflict" in balancing these competing demands.
As the state's politics become increasingly polarized, it remains to be seen whether Ayotte and Sununu can successfully navigate this divide and maintain their positions as moderate voices within the Republican Party.
According to Andrew Smith, director at the University of New Hampshire Survey Center, moderates in the state "are laying low" as a result of Trump's rise. The state's Republican Party is now divided between those who support Trump and those who do not. Those who do not support Trump are often referred to as "never-Trumpers," but they are struggling to maintain their influence.
Governor Kelly Ayotte, a moderate Republican, has attempted to navigate this divide by taking a more centrist approach. She has championed her Commission on Government Efficiency (COGE) and reversed some of the Department of Education's decisions that were made during Trump's administration. However, her efforts to balance between staying true to New Hampshire's classic Republican politics and confronting Trumpism have raised questions about her loyalty.
Dante Scala, a political science professor at the University of New Hampshire, notes that Ayotte is trying to channel a "New Hampshire-first" approach, dealing with Trump as little as possible while finding common cause when needed. However, some critics argue that this approach may not be enough to shield her from Trump's influence.
The state's Senate seat will also come up for grabs in 2026, creating an opportunity for Republicans to add a conservative member to the federal delegation. The primary is likely to be intense, with former Senator John E. Sununu facing off against Scott Brown, a former Senator from Massachusetts and Trump appointee.
Sununu has a significant lead over Brown in favorability polls and is seen as the more attractive candidate. However, it remains to be seen whether his moderate credentials will be enough to win over voters who are increasingly aligned with Trump's agenda.
New Hampshire Republicans are walking a fine line between staying true to their traditional values and accommodating Trump's influence. Thomas Rath, former attorney general of New Hampshire, notes that the party is facing a "real conflict" in balancing these competing demands.
As the state's politics become increasingly polarized, it remains to be seen whether Ayotte and Sununu can successfully navigate this divide and maintain their positions as moderate voices within the Republican Party.
. Trump's been all over the place, what's the real agenda here? Is it really just about being "America first" or is there more to it? And what's with these moderates laying low? Don't they have a say anymore? 
I'm not saying Ayotte and Sununu are doing anything wrong, but it seems like they're walking on eggshells trying to keep the peace. The whole thing just feels really... uncertain 
. As someone who's lived through a few election cycles, I've seen how quickly politics can become a minefield. New Hampshire's got a reputation for being one of the most independent states out there, but now they're caught right in the middle of this Trump-TAGS (Team America Greatness System) thing 
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. if sununu gets in as senator, i think we'll see even more of this tension play out, especially since he's got some pretty moderate credentials himself 
. maybe ayotte's centrist approach is a step in the right direction, but at the same time it feels like she's just trying to coexist with trump rather than truly challenge him 
... what do you guys think? should moderates just fold under pressure or keep pushing for change?
. Sununu and Brown are both strong candidates, but can he really win over those who are super loyal to Trump? It's like they're being pulled in two different directions, and it's hard to know which way they'll go 
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I think the fact that Governor Ayotte is trying to stay centrist is a good thing! It's like, we need more people in politics who are willing to listen to opposing views and find common ground 
. As for Sununu, I think his moderate credentials could really help him in the primary... but we'll see how that plays out 
ayottes attempt to stay centrist is cute but ill be surprised if she makes it through 2026 without getting torn apart by trumpians 
and honestly who do these people think they are trying to balance new hampshires classic republicanism with the actual agenda of trump? its like trying to put diesel in a gas tank 
My friend's cousin lives in NH and she always says that it's not as red as people think 
. Anyway, back to Trump... is he still a thing? 
I feel like we haven't heard enough about him since his election 
. Like, Governor Ayotte is trying to be all centrist but people are questioning her loyalty 
. I mean, Governor Ayotte is trying her best by being all centrist and stuff, but it's hard when you've got a party that's so divided 
. But you know what? I think thats kinda good for democracy, even if its not always easy to watch 
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. They need moderates like Kelly Ayotte to try and calm things down, but at the same time, Trump supporters are getting pretty vocal 
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. But if they just play it too safe, they risk losing their traditional base 
. And now they've got this whole Senate seat thing coming up in 2026, which is like a big ol' powder keg waiting to blow 
. It's a tough spot to be in, but they might just have a chance if they can find some common ground with the Trump supporters 
. Like, how are they gonna deal with Trump's influence? Ayotte's trying to stay centrist but it feels like she's walking on eggshells 
I'm all about balance, you know? But if they don't find a way to navigate this divide, it's gonna get ugly 
and what's up with sununu's chances of winning in 2026? is his moderate vibe gonna work or will trump's base just vote him out? 
meanwhile, ayotte is trying to straddle that fine line between not being a complete trumpist but still keeping her rep 
#MAGA vs #ModeratePolitics. Trump's influence is like a big ol' storm cloud looming over the state, and it's gonna be tough for Ayotte to keep her centrist vibe going while trying not to ruffle any feathers 
. I mean, Sununu might have the popularity thing down, but can he actually win over voters who are all about that Trump life? 
. Can Ayotte and Sununu really navigate this divide and keep being the moderate voices we need in NH politics? 
. Ayotte's trying to find a middle ground but it's hard to please everyone, especially when Trump's followers are getting more radical 
. This is gonna be a wild ride, especially with the Senate seat up for grabs in 2026 
. I think they'll have to walk this tightrope carefully or risk getting trampled by the more radical wing of the party 
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. It'll be fascinating to see how Ayotte and Sununu navigate this divide and keep their positions as moderate voices within the party 
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