Kelly Ayotte is eager to work with future POTUS, Donald Trump

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Kelly Ayotte will be inaugurated as New Hampshire’s newest governor on Thursday at the State House. The former U.S. senator and state attorney general steps into this pivotal role in the crucial New England swing state just over a week before President-elect Trump takes office.

Ayotte, succeeding fellow Republican Chris Sununu, expressed her eagerness to collaborate with the Trump administration.In an exclusive interview with Fox News Digital prior to her inauguration, Ayotte stated, “I’ll work with the administration on behalf of New Hampshire and advocate for the Granite State on important priorities here: keeping the state safe and ensuring we are advocating for federal resources.”

During her successful gubernatorial campaign, which saw her defeat Democrat Joyce Craig by nearly 10 points, Ayotte focused heavily on issues like illegal immigration and border security—particularly relevant for a state that borders Canada and faces a fentanyl crisis.

She has committed to preventing New Hampshire from becoming a sanctuary state for undocumented migrants.Ayotte emphasized the importance of law enforcement, stating, “I believe it’s important that criminals are held accountable… We welcome legal immigration, but those who come here illegally and especially those who commit crimes need to be held accountable.”

Having previously served in the U.S. Senate from 2011 to 2017, Ayotte was recognized as a rising star within the GOP, particularly on national security issues. However, she narrowly lost her re-election bid in 2016 to Democrat Maggie Hassan.As she prepares to lead New Hampshire, Ayotte highlighted her commitment to being an accessible governor for all residents.

“My No. 1 priority is being a governor for everyone in New Hampshire,” she said. She aims to promote economic growth while maintaining a responsible budget. Ayotte also hopes to inspire young girls by demonstrating that leadership positions are attainable for everyone, regardless of gender. “I hope every young girl understands that whatever position she strives to attain is available to her,” she remarked.

Her inauguration marks a significant moment in New Hampshire’s political landscape, as she becomes the first Republican woman to serve as governor of the state.