NH Governor Chris Sununu Starts 2nd Term Amid Divided Government

CONCORD, NH — New Hampshire Gov. Chris Sununu on Thursday started work on his second term amid a vastly different political landscape. The Republican Sununu was sworn in during his inauguration in Concord after winning re-election in November. Sununu now presides over a divided government, as Democrats won control of the House, Senate and Executive Council.

"Voters of our state set us on a path that requires that we, as state leaders, come together, embrace a spirit of cooperation, and work together to get things done for the people of New Hampshire," Sununu said during his inaugural address. "They deserve nothing less."

Sununu, 44, is one of the youngest and most popular governors in the country. He was ranked as the fourth-most popular governor in a summer poll by Morning Consult.

New Hampshire Democratic Party Chair Ray Buckley said party members are willing to cooperate.

"If Sununu focuses on the issues that matter and is committed to working in a bipartisan manner with the Democratic state legislature, our government will achieve great things for New Hampshire," Buckley said in a statement. "There are countless issues facing New Hampshire that know no political party."

House Republican Leader Dick Hinch, of Merrimack, said Sununu is committed to keeping spending and taxes low.

"That might be unpopular with Democrats in the legislature, but it is the right thing to do," Hinch said in a statement. "His dedication to providing a better service experience for those who deal with state government, and his ability to build relationships within government, are making real reform possible, and providing better results for our state."

Sununu said some of his priorities for his second term include continuing to address the state's opioid crisis, investigating a trend of pediatric cancer, reforming the foster care system and expanding career programs for students.

"There will be times when we will disagree, without a doubt, but let’s do so in a way that is free from and personal attacks and unnecessary political rhetoric," Sununu said. "We are here for a greater purpose, to represent the needs of our constituents, disagree respectfully, focus on moving forward in areas where we can find common ground."

Photo credit: Office of Gov. Chris Sununu