Gatsas Announces Run for NH Governor

CONCORD, NH - Mayor Ted Gatsas, R-Manchester, announced this morning that he will be a candidate for governor in the Republican primary in September, facing off against Executive Councilor Chris Sununu, who announced a run last September, and state Rep. Frank Edelblut, R-Wilton, another candidate.

Gatsas made the announcement after filing a “Friends of Ted Gatsas” political committee with the Secretary of State’s office, saying he would work “tirelessly to build partnerships and gain consensus” about the challenges that are facing the residents of the state, including the opioid epidemic, healthcare costs, and returning control of schools to local communities.

“I am proud of all that we have achieved in Manchester, and excited by the opportunity to bring my executive experience and leadership to the Statehouse in Concord,” he said. “As mayor, I have worked hard to improve city infrastructure, foster an environment where economic development can grow, and thrive, bring new educational opportunities to our students and worked to keep Manchester safe.”

Gatsas said he would be meeting with people around New Hampshire to learn about the issues residents are facing and hear their solutions in an effort to "move the state forward, together."

Andy Crews, president & CEO of AutoFair will serve as chairman of his new political committee.

Others in the race

Gatsas’ announcement comes just days after former Portsmouth City Council Stefany Shaheen confirmed she would be sitting out 2016 on the Democrat's side. Another Executive Councilor, Colin Van Ostern, is a candidate for the Democratic nomination along with Mark Connolly, the former Deputy Secretary of State and a businessman.

This morning, Connolly received the endorsement of state Sen. Andrew Hosmer, D-Laconia, a state Senator for about four years and a manager at AutoServ, his family's automotive business.

“Mark’s story is about taking on the hard fights and getting results for New Hampshire families,” said Hosmer. “Throughout his career in public service and as a business leader, Mark has put politics aside to bring people together and get things done, and I know that’s what he’ll do as our next Governor.”

Connolly said he was “humbled” to have Hosmer’s support.

“His hard work as a business owner, public servant, and father exemplify what makes New Hampshire great,” he said. “Andrew’s been a champion for the Lakes Region, and I'm honored to have him join our campaign. We have challenges before us, but Andrew and I, along with thousands of other Granite Staters, believe that our state's best days lie ahead.”

About an hour before the Gatsas announcement, Sununu released a list of community and business leaders, and Republican activists, who were supporting his effort. The endorsement list included state Rep. John Byrnes, R-Swanzey, former U.S. Rep. and Judge Chuck Douglas of Bow, Judy Galluzzo of Salem, Patricia Humphrey or Chichester, Laurie Jasper of Hudson, Bob Letourneau of Derry, Renee and Dan Plummer of Portsmouth, Doug and Stella Scamman of Stratham, and Donna and state Rep. John Sytek, R-Salem.

"I am truly grateful and honored to receive the support of these outstanding leaders from throughout the Granite State,” Sununu said. “They all work hard for a better New Hampshire, and I will certainly rely on their good advice and counsel in the months ahead."

A draft effort to get state Sen. Andy Sanborn, R-Bedford, who was toying with a 2014 run, to jump into the race last year by the Republican Liberty Caucus appears to have been abandoned. Another wrench in the mix of the 2016 gubernatorial election is whether or not an independent candidate will be on the ballot in the fall.

Liberty Republicans are frustrated with the Medicaid Expansion provisions approved by Democrats and some Republicans in New Hampshire and have threatened to bolt the party. Stark360 PAC and Aaron Day, have initiated an effort to challenge U.S. Sen. Kelly Ayotte, R-NH, in the primary that former state Sen. Jim Rubens has undertaken. The PAC helped Andrew Hemingway in 2014 during the primary which he lost by about 10 percent. Mike Gill, the host of the State of Corruption radio show, has stated that he will be an independent candidate for governor in 2016, according to reports.

Reaction to the announcement

At post time, the only major reaction to the Gatsas announcement came from New Hampshire Democratic Party chairman Ray Buckley, who stated that the GOP field for governor had just gotten even more out of touch than before.

“From vilifying workers to defunding education to blocking investment in renewable energy, Gatsas has consistently put his own political agenda and personal ambition ahead of what's right for hardworking Granite Staters,” he noted in an email. “That a mayor who was nearly kicked out of office last year thinks he can win the GOP nod for governor is a true testament to Chris Sununu's weak and troubled candidacy."

Patch will update this report with more reaction as it occurs.