Chris SununuPrimary Election 2022 WinnerGeneral Election 2022 IncumbentGeneral Election 2022 Winner

What are the most important concerns you’ve heard from Manchester residents and how can you address those concerns if elected or re-elected as Governor?

Housing and energy prices are the biggest issues facing Manchester residents. National inflation has caused electricity and fuel prices to skyrocket across New England. We are proposing legislation to provide an immediate $100 credit on every family’s electric bill, and planning ahead for the winter – investing millions to expand heating oil and electricity assistance for families most in need. When it comes to housing, the state is moving forward with our historic $100 million InvestNH Housing Fund, which will incentivize municipalities and developers to streamline and speed up housing projects, helping to bring thousands of housing units to the market within the next few years.

What is your overarching philosophy when it comes to the duties of the Governor?

Opening up as many doors of opportunity for individuals, families, and businesses.

What is the most significant issue facing Manchester residents at the municipal level and how can you aid the city government and/or directly aid Manchester residents on that issue?

Housing remains one of the biggest challenges this state faces – especially in Manchester. Businesses cannot thrive without a growing workforce, and without housing, our workforce cannot grow. The vacancy rate in New Hampshire remains at an historic low, and the state is investing $100 million to help cities and towns across the state build more workforce housing to help our communities thrive.

How do you feel the current divisive political climate in the United States will impact the Governor’s role over the next two years and how would you navigate that divisiveness as Governor?

I have no tolerance for divisiveness or the extreme elements of either political party, and have been clear in my tenure as governor that I represent the vast majority of citizens who find themselves in the middle.

In your conversations with voters, what is the most significant issue to them right now? How would you address that if elected or re-elected?

Inflation and the economy. Last quarter, New Hampshire had the fastest growing economy in the nation – only one of four states with a positive GDP growth. But a recession is also coming and now, more than ever, we need strong fiscal management in Concord. My job as Governor is to make sure we’re the last state to enter a recession and first one out of it, and that’s what I’m committed to doing.

In your opinion, what were the five most significant pieces of legislation introduced by the New Hampshire General Court in the past two years, and why?

HB 2, the budget I signed into law in 2021, includes historic tax cuts, property tax relief, and voluntary Paid Family Medical Leave, without an income tax, delivered all in one sweeping action – a win for every citizen and family in this state.

I signed SB 234 into law, requiring every public school ID in New Hampshire to include the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline number. Every student and family should have equal opportunity to access lifesaving services, and this bill moves us forward. If this bill saves one life, it’s worth it.

After years of talking about it, I was proud to sign bipartisan legislation into law expanding Medicaid dental benefits. Expanding coverage to include dental benefits for those on Medicaid is something I’ve long supported, but challenged the legislature to do in a way where the costs are sustainable and transparent. I’m proud we were able to come together and get this done in a way that works for the people of New Hampshire.

I was proud to sign the “No Patient Left Alone” legislation into law, ensuring that no hospital patient is ever left alone and guaranteeing that a loved one or caregiver can be present in their most vulnerable moments. Access to visitors is an important part of the healing process, and this bill makes sure we provide that assurance to patients.

In 2021, I was proud to sign legislation into law expanding access to clean energy. Here in New Hampshire, we did it right – taking advantage of the environmental benefits from large solar projects, while protecting the ratepayer from crushing subsidies.

In your opinion, what were the five most significant actions taken by New Hampshire governors over the last ten years, and why?

COVID Management: Throughout the COVID pandemic, New Hampshire was rated the No. 1 state for personal freedoms while also having one of the lowest death rates in the nation. We let data guide our decision-making and empowered individuals, families, and businesses. We continue to monitor the data and are prepared with the tools in place for whatever might come this winter to keep our citizens safe and our economy open – just as we have for the last two years.

Opening the Doorway System: We stood up an entire new statewide drug treatment system focused on rural access to care and it’s already delivering results. Bucking the national trend, New Hampshire is projected to reduce the number of lives lost to drug overdoses by nearly 14 percent from 2017 – 2021, one of the only states in the nation to see this trend line. New Hampshire led the nation in addressing our opioid crisis head-on with innovative programs like Recovery Friendly Workplaces. Through this program, we’ve worked hard to change the culture around addiction by engaging employers as part of the solution.

Balancing budgets: We’ve passed three balanced budgets without raising a single tax or fee, and have lowered taxes on small businesses, stopped a 17-cent-per-gallon gas tax increase, eliminated the electricity consumption tax, and are completely zeroing out the Interest and Dividends tax within the next five years.

Stopping the Democrats’ Income Tax: During the 2019—2020 Session, New Hampshire Democrats proposed an income tax, which I vetoed.

Investing in Clean Energy: We’ve made investments into our environment by banning drilling off New Hampshire’s pristine coast, leading the region in offshore wind development, expanding the use of solar to help low-income families, all while vetoing hundreds of millions of cost increases on New Hampshire ratepayers.