2022 New Hampshire Governor Voters Guide
Tom Sherman (D) vs Chris Sununu (R)
The Candidates
Legal. “The New Hampshire I believe in protects a woman’s right to make medical decisions with her doctor.” Criticizes New Hampshire’s abortion ban, with “no exceptions for rape, incest, or fatal fetal anomalies.” Supports Planned Parenthood, and says “I will fight to codify into NH law the right to a safe and legal abortion.”
Mostly ban. “I’ve done more on the pro-life issue… than anyone.” Before the Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade, signed a later-amended ban on abortions after 24 weeks without exception for rape, incest, with criminal and civil penalties for doctors. Rejected a special session to protect abortion rights in state law.
Yes. Formed a commission to reduce emissions and tackle climate change. Would “move forward to expand our renewable energy sources and lower costs.” Voted for a bill to increase solar energy use.
Mixed. Has questioned role of carbon emissions in climate change. Vetoed expanding a state solar minimum requirement in 2020; raised the limit on towns and cities’ renewable production. Opposes law with renewable energy subsidies. Supports off-shore wind power.
No. Opposes “diverting taxpayer dollars to private schools.” Disagrees with public education funding going to private and religious schools.
Yes. Signed a bill to fund vouchers that parents can use at private and religious schools. Opposes Biden push to tighten requirements for federal funding for charter schools.
Let educators “teach basic history without fear.” Sponsored a bill to repeal bans on teaching “divisive concepts” related to racism and gender.
Signed budget prohibiting teaching so-called “divisive concepts” related to race and gender by public schools, state agencies, and contractors.
Tighten. Sponsored a bill to set maximum contaminant levels for dangerous PFAS, called “forever chemicals.” Voted for a bill requiring separation of landfills from bodies of water.
Likely loosen. Vetoed bills on mandatory testing for PFAS and separating landfills from bodies of water to prevent contamination. Said state’s regulations are already “rigorous and robust.”
More. Supports “closing background-check loopholes, implementing waiting periods, and making sure guns stay out of the hands of domestic abusers.” Sponsored a “red flag” bill to temporarily remove guns from people deemed a danger.
Less. After bipartisan federal gun law passed, signed bill barring state enforcement of federal firearms laws—and state police from cooperating in FBI investigations to enforce bans on “bumpstocks” and rules against “ghost guns.” Vetoed a “red-flag” bill.
Yes. Has supported increasing Medicaid reimbursements for mental health and addiction services and including dental care in Medicaid. Introduced bills to regulate and lower prescription drug prices.
Mixed. Kept expanded Medicaid but supported adding a work requirement. Sees as temporary, until enrollees move to private coverage. Opposes the Inflation Reduction Act, which includes letting Medicare negotiate drug prices and capping out-of-pocket costs.
No position found.
Supported flying migrants from Texas to Martha’s Vineyard, but not New Hampshire. Joined Governors’ Border Strike Force to “keep our citizens safe.” In 2017 supported finding a “real solution” for DACA youth.
Easier. Voted against a “right-to-work” bill that allowed employees in a unionized workplace to not pay union dues. Voted for a bill to provide a death benefit for public employees & strengthen public employee collective bargaining.
Harder. Has supported “right-to-work” laws, allowing employees in a unionized workplace to not pay union dues.
Expand. Sponsored a bill to ban discrimination in schools based on factors including sex, gender identity, and sexual orientation. Voted against the Parental Bill of Rights bill.
Mostly expand. Signed bill to ban discrimination in schools. Opposed Parental Bill of Rights bill. Signed bill banning gay conversion therapy. Signed budget prohibiting teaching so-called “divisive concepts” related to gender.
Legal. “It’s time to legalize marijuana across NH.” Voted for a bill to allow adult possession of up to three-quarters of an ounce of marijuana and growing up to six plants at home.
Mixed. In 2022 signaled openness to reviewing a marijuana legalization law. Has credited the state’s prohibition of marijuana with its decrease in opioid deaths. In 2019 vetoed a bill to let people home-grow their own.
Raise. Cosponsored a bill to raise the current state minimum from $7.25 to $10 per hour in 2022, to $12 in 2023, and to $15 in 2024.
Keep. Vetoed 2019 and 2020 bills to raise minimum from $7.25/hour.
Will make sure the police “have all the tools they need,” “possibly broadening…to include social services,” to connect with communities. Supports “requiring body cameras or limiting the ability of police to acquire military equipment.”
Signed a 2022 bill to fund crisis intervention training. In 2020, set up a commission including community activists and endorsed its 2020 recommendations, including body cameras and improving training on diversity.
Likely yes. Defended Biden’s loan forgiveness program.
Mixed. In 2022, proposed paying off up to $20,000 of student loan debt for 1,000 people who would work in-state for four years. Opposes Biden’s debt-forgiveness plan.
Likely more. Opposes a bill that cuts business profits tax rate from 7.6% to 7.5%. “I support property tax relief for the people & small businesses here,” not “tax cuts to the wealthy & out-of-state corporations.”
Less. Signed a bill cutting the business profits tax rate from 7.6% to 7.5% to “provide economic relief for businesses.” Started phasing out taxes on interest and dividends.
No. “We need leaders who will veto measures meant to restrict or limit the right to vote.” Voted against a bill requiring first-time voters to mail in proof of ID. Has supported absentee voting for safety during the pandemic.
Yes. Signed a bill directing NH election officials to ignore a proposed federal bill to expand voting access. Enhanced voter ID requirements. Stopped letting temporary-resident college students vote. Vetoed a bill allowing no-excuse vote-by-mail and allow online registration.
We have space to include only candidates polling 15% or more, but check out others including Karlyn Borysenko (L) & Kelly Halldorson (L).
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