These results come shortly after another poll showed Ayotte with a slim lead in the “very competitive” contest to succeed outgoing Governor Chris Sununu

Republican Kelly Ayotte and Democrat Joyce Craig have won their parties’ primaries for governor in New Hampshire, The Associated Press projects, setting up what’s expected to be a close November matchup in the Northeastern battleground state.

Republican Kelly Ayotte wasn’t on the debate stage Friday, but New Hampshire’s Democratic gubernatorial hopefuls mentioned her by name at least a dozen times. Though six Republicans are seeking the GOP nomination in Tuesday’s primary,

In the race to become governor, former Republican U.S. Senator Kelly Ayotte will face off against Democratic former Manchester Mayor Joyce Craig in the general election in November, according to AP’s projections.

Former Biden administration official Maggie Goodlander easily won the Democratic nomination to succeed retiring Rep. Annie Kuster in New Hampshire’s 2nd District. New Castle County Executive Matt Meyer won the Democratic nomination for Delaware’s open governorship, defeating Lt. Gov. Bethany Hall-Long by 10 points.

The race to replace retiring Gov. Chris Sununu is starting off close and will likely remain competitive," NH Institute of Politics leader says.

Both nominees have lost some popularity after the negativity of the primary, according to Saint Anselm pollsters.

A new public opinion survey conducted after last week’s state primary in New Hampshire indicates former U.S. Sen. Kelly Ayotte holding a small advantage over former Manchester Mayor Joyce Craig in the race to succeed four-term Republican Gov.