Sununu ‘not leaning towards’ running for governor again

One of the nation’s most popular governors, Sununu, 48, has been dropping hints for months that he might be looking to move on from the corner office. He recently told POLITICO that he intends to make his final decision this summer, after the state’s legislative session concludes at the end of June.

“Knowing that I’m in my fourth term, probably out of here in 18 months or so — I don’t know, I don’t think I’m going to run again,” Sununu said on WEEI. “But I’m really not sure.”

Sununu’s potential successors aren’t waiting for him to make up his mind. Executive Councilor Cinde Warmington is already running on the Democratic side, and Manchester Mayor Joyce Craig has formed an exploratory committee. On the Republican side, former Republican Sen. Kelly Ayotte and former state Senate President Chuck Morse have been laying the groundwork for potential campaigns should Sununu decide not to run again.

For Democrats who’ve been unable to unseat Sununu, the Republican stepping aside would be a best case scenario.

“If Sununu is so eager to get a ‘real job,’ we encourage him not to waste another day or taxpayer dollar and be honest with New Hampshire families that he no longer cares about fixing their problems as governor,” Democratic Governors Association spokesperson Izzi Levy said in a statement.