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Warmington Enters NH Governor Race, Challenges Sununu

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  Published in Politics and Government on Wednesday, February 18th 2026 at 6:20 GMT by WMUR
      Locales: New Hampshire, UNITED STATES

SALEM, N.H. - February 18th, 2026 - Cinde Warmington, former Salem town selectman and founder of the education advocacy group Granite Strong Kids, today formally announced her candidacy for Governor of New Hampshire. In a speech delivered to a crowd of supporters in Salem, Warmington positioned herself as a staunch conservative alternative to current Governor Chris Sununu, promising a return to what she describes as the core values of limited government, individual freedom, and fiscal responsibility.

The announcement marks the beginning of what is shaping up to be a competitive Republican primary race. Warmington will face challenges from established figures like Jeff Shaheen, a former Trump Administration official, and Joe Crosby, a veteran of the Executive Council. While Sununu has enjoyed relatively high approval ratings throughout his tenure, Warmington and other potential challengers are capitalizing on a growing sentiment within the Republican base that the Governor has moved too far towards the center, particularly on issues related to social policy and government spending.

Warmington's platform is built around three key pillars: bolstering parental rights in education, advocating for fiscal conservatism, and strengthening border security. On parental rights, Warmington has consistently argued for increased transparency and control for parents over their children's education, including curriculum choices and access to information. This resonates strongly with a significant segment of the Republican electorate who feel increasingly alienated by what they perceive as an encroachment of progressive ideologies into schools.

"Parents deserve to have a say in what their children are taught," Warmington stated during her announcement. "Our schools should be focused on providing a foundational education, not pushing political agendas. As Governor, I will ensure that parents are empowered to make the best decisions for their children's future."

Fiscal responsibility is another cornerstone of Warmington's campaign. She has pledged to rein in state spending, reduce taxes, and promote a business-friendly environment to stimulate economic growth. This commitment aims to appeal to traditional Republicans who prioritize fiscal prudence and limited government intervention in the economy. Warmington specifically criticized Governor Sununu's handling of the state budget, alleging wasteful spending and a lack of accountability.

"New Hampshire has a proud tradition of fiscal responsibility," Warmington declared. "We cannot afford to continue down the path of reckless spending and mounting debt. I will restore fiscal discipline and ensure that taxpayer dollars are used wisely."

Perhaps the most controversial aspect of Warmington's platform is her emphasis on border security. While New Hampshire does not share a border with Mexico, Warmington argues that the federal government's lax border policies have a ripple effect, impacting states like New Hampshire through increased crime and strain on social services. She has vowed to work with other governors to demand stricter enforcement of federal immigration laws and to protect the state's borders.

The primary race is expected to be fiercely contested. Shaheen brings significant federal government experience and potential access to national fundraising networks. Crosby, with his long history on the Executive Council, has established relationships throughout the state and a deep understanding of state government. Warmington, while perhaps less known on the statewide stage, is hoping her grassroots activism through Granite Strong Kids and her clear articulation of conservative principles will resonate with voters.

The general election is still over a year away, and the Democratic field remains somewhat undefined. However, Warmington's candidacy already signals a potential shift in the political landscape of New Hampshire. She represents a growing faction within the Republican party that is dissatisfied with the moderate direction of Governor Sununu and eager to embrace a more conservative agenda. The coming months will be crucial as Warmington attempts to build momentum, secure funding, and differentiate herself from her primary opponents. The outcome of the Republican primary will undoubtedly shape the direction of the Granite State for years to come. Further information on Cinde Warmington's campaign can be found at [ https://warmingtonfornh.com/ ].