Kelly Ayotte wins New Hampshire governor Republican primary

Former New Hampshire Sen. Kelly Ayotte on Tuesday night has been projected to win the Republican primary for the state's governor, defeating former state Senate President Chuck Morse.

Ayotte, who represented New Hampshire in the Senate for one term from 2011 to 2017, secured 68.2 percent of the vote with 17 percent reporting, according to the Associated Press. She also served as the state's Attorney General from 2004 to 2009.

Critics of Ayotte have blasted her for not being supportive of former President Donald Trump, but supporters have indicated that her stance on the former president is a good thing, because more moderate candidates fare better than far-right candidates in New Hampshire, NBC News reported.

Ayotte has endorsed Trump for president, but did so after he became the Republican nominee. 

The former senator is expected to face former Manchester Mayor Joyce Craig in November. The winner will replace Republican Gov. Chris Sununu, who has opted not to seek a fifth two-year term, despite maintaining popularity in the swing-state.

New Hampshire is one of 11 states holding a gubernatorial election in November. But North Carolina is the only other swing state to hold a race for governor. Polls have not clearly indicated who the favorite to win the governor's race, but the nonpartisan Cook Political Report has rated the state for the presidential election as "likely Democrat."

Misty Severi is an evening news reporter for Just the News. You can follow her on X for more coverage.