Ayotte Starts Term With Strong Approval

DURHAM, N.H. – New Hampshire Governor Kelly Ayotte enters her first term with majority approval among Granite Staters, but residents remain deeply concerned about the state's housing crisis, economic uncertainty, and key legislative issues, according to the latest Granite State Poll conducted by the University of New Hampshire Survey Center.

While Ayotte’s approval ratings provide a strong foundation, mixed expectations about household finances, fears over tariffs, and a divided public on social legislation indicate a challenging path forward.

Ayotte’s Approval and Favorability Ratings

The survey finds that 52% of New Hampshire residents approve of Ayotte’s performance, 34% disapprove, and 15% remain neutral or undecided. Her strongest support comes from Republicans (89% approve), while 51% of Independents give her positive marks. However, only 14% of Democrats approve of her leadership.

Ayotte’s favorability rating stands at 41% favorable, 34% unfavorable, with 20% holding a neutral view. Her net favorability rating (+8 points) represents a notable improvement from August 2023, when it stood at -14.

Supporters cite her handling of the state budget and finances (26%), as well as taxes (7%) and immigration (7%), while those who disapprove most frequently mention her perceived alignment with former President Donald Trump (20%), concerns over education policy (17%), and economic issues (4%).

Housing and Economic Anxiety Lead Public Concerns

Among all issues facing New Hampshire, housing remains the dominant concern, with 29% of residents identifying it as the state’s most pressing problem. Other major concerns include taxes (10%), education (8%), and substance abuse (7%).

Economic uncertainty continues to loom large. The BIA Report on Consumer Confidence, also conducted by UNH, reveals that only 10% of residents believe their household finances have improved over the past year, while 31% say they are worse off. However, this marks a steady improvement from November 2022, when 61% said their financial situation had worsened.

Looking ahead, 42% of residents expect their finances to improve within the next year, but an equal 42% anticipate further hardship. This divide is heavily influenced by political affiliation, with 84% of Democrats expecting to be worse off, compared to just 3% of Republicans.

Michael Skelton, president and CEO of the Business & Industry Association, emphasized New Hampshire’s economic strengths, citing advanced manufacturing and the life sciences as key growth sectors but warning that the state must lower energy costs, reduce regulatory barriers, and expand housing to maintain a competitive economy.

Public Divided on Parental Consent for Minors’ Abortions

One of the most controversial legislative proposals in the state is a bill that would make it illegal to transport minors across state lines for an abortion without parental consent.

The survey finds 38% of respondents support the proposal, while 47% oppose it, and 9% remain neutral. Predictably, 65% of Republicans back the measure, while 75% of Democrats oppose it. Independents are nearly split, with 46% supporting the bill and 42% opposing it.

Despite the heated debate, awareness of the bill is relatively low—only 6% of residents report having heard “a lot” about it, while 38% say they have heard little and 30% say they know nothing about it.

Tariffs and Inflation: Public Skepticism on Trade Policy

New Hampshire residents also express widespread concern over tariffs and their economic impact. While the Biden and Trump administrations have pursued tariffs in various forms, 78% of respondents believe tariffs will increase prices, and only 3% expect them to lower costs.

When it comes to economic effects, 53% believe tariffs will harm the U.S. economy, while 36% think they will have a positive impact. Again, partisan divisions are stark: 96% of Democrats believe tariffs will hurt the economy, compared to 72% of Republicans who see them as beneficial.

Moreover, only 33% of respondents say they fully understand how tariffs work, with 42% mistakenly believing tariffs are paid by American consumers rather than by importing companies.

New Hampshire’s Political and Economic Landscape Moving Forward

Governor Ayotte begins her term with a strong mandate, but the survey reveals a state grappling with economic uncertainty, a housing crisis, and contentious social issues. While Republican voters overwhelmingly back her leadership, she faces resistance from Democrats and some Independents, particularly on education, taxation, and social policy.

With the state legislature considering high-profile bills and economic concerns shaping voter sentiment, Ayotte’s ability to navigate these challenges will define her tenure in the coming months.