Ex-GOP Senator Who Opposed Trump in 2016 Now Supports Him

Former Senator Kelly Ayotte is gearing up for a major political comeback as she sets her sights on the gubernatorial race in New Hampshire. In a bold move, Ayotte has thrown her support behind former President Donald Trump’s anticipated bid for the presidency in 2024.

While it may seem like a straightforward decision for most Republicans to back Trump due to his significant influence within the party, Ayotte’s endorsement carries added significance. In the lead-up to the 2016 election, Ayotte distanced herself from Trump over the infamous “Access Hollywood” scandal, where Trump was caught on tape making derogatory remarks about women.

Despite her principled stance, Ayotte faced a narrow defeat in her bid for re-election, losing by just over 1,000 votes to Democratic contender Maggie Hassan. However, Ayotte outperformed Trump in New Hampshire, with Hillary Clinton narrowly edging out the former president in the state.

Following her tenure in the Senate, Ayotte remained active in Washington by shepherding Supreme Court nominee Neil Gorsuch through the confirmation process. She stayed informed on New Hampshire politics and continued to engage with the Republican Party.

Ayotte officially announced her gubernatorial campaign nearly a year ago, after incumbent Governor Chris Sununu decided not to seek a fifth term. Despite initially remaining neutral in the presidential primary, Ayotte endorsed Trump early on, citing his differing vision on freedom and taxes compared to President Biden.

Upon filing her candidacy for governor, Ayotte reaffirmed her commitment to conservative values and vowed to follow in the footsteps of Gov. Sununu. She faced criticism from rival Chuck Morse, who questioned her conservative credentials. Morse, who initially had reservations about Trump, eventually endorsed the former president.

Despite the ongoing debates over their political ideologies, Ayotte emphasized her dedication to the people of New Hampshire and her goal of continuing the state’s progress under Gov. Sununu’s leadership. She rebuffed attacks on her stance on abortion, pledging to uphold existing laws.

As the gubernatorial race heats up, Ayotte remains focused on earning the support of voters and charting a path towards victory. With her unwavering support for Trump and commitment to conservative principles, Ayotte aims to secure a win in one of the most closely watched elections in the country.