Ex-mayor wins Democratic primary in bid to succeed Sununu as New Hampshire governor

Former Manchester Mayor Joyce Craig has won the Democratic gubernatorial primary in New Hampshire, according to Decision Desk HQ, as she races to replace outgoing Gov. Chris Sununu (R).

Craig, who headed into Tuesday with the polling edge, defeated New Hampshire Executive Councilor Cinde Warmington and business owner Jon Kiper for the Democratic nod. Craig had picked up notable endorsements from U.S. Sen. Maggie Hassan (D-N.H.) and Massachusetts Gov. Maura Healey (D). 

The Granite State has gone to the Democratic presidential candidate over the last five cycles, and its small congressional delegation is all blue. But Sununu has enjoyed four terms as a Republican in the governor’s mansion, and the GOP holds majorities in the state Legislature. 

On the Republican side, former Sen. Kelly Ayotte (R-N.H.) was battling with former state Senate President Chuck Morse. Nonpartisan election handicapper Cook Political Report has rated the gubernatorial race as a “toss up.”

Delaware and Rhode Island are also holding primaries Tuesday. Together with New Hampshire, the trio of New England states make up the last handful of congressional primaries this cycle, kicking the race into a high-stakes, eight-week stretch until Election Day.