Governor Kelly Ayotte and Democratic candidate Cinde Warmington faced off Tuesday night at the Greater Manchester Chamber of Commerce debate hosted by the New Hampshire Institute of Politics. Both candidates made it clear they will not back down as they tackled the pressing issues that affect New Hampshire families.
Housing affordability takes center stage
Warmington warned that private equity firms are buying up housing in the Granite State, driving up rents and squeezing renters. “Private equity is buying up housing in this state and jacking up the cost of rent and sending the market rate of rent up,” she said, adding that Ayotte’s former board role at Blackstone contributed to the problem.
Ayotte pushed back, arguing that a single firm’s holdings do not explain the broader shortage. “Blackstone has an apartment place in Nashua and some student housing in Durham. That’s not driving what’s happening in New Hampshire. What’s driving what’s happening in New Hampshire is we don’t have enough supply,” she replied.
Energy costs under fire
Both candidates agreed that New Hampshire residents are feeling the pinch of rising electric bills. Warmington pointed to the steep increase, saying, “Open your electric bill. It’s up through the roof.” Ayotte countered that the numbers would double if Warmington were governor, adding, “If Cinde Warmington is governor when you open your electric bill, it’s going to be double.” Warmington dismissed the claim as unfounded.
Tariffs and the Trump administration
Warmington accused Ayotte of staying silent while other governors are suing the Trump administration to recover money for small businesses. “And she stays silent while other governors around this country are suing the Trump Administration and making sure they get that money back for their small businesses,” Warmington said.
Ayotte did not directly address the accusation but highlighted her own record of supporting New Hampshire businesses and emphasized that her policies focus on creating a competitive environment for local entrepreneurs.
Political alliances become a talking point
The debate also turned personal when Ayotte referenced Warmington’s recent weekend with California Governor Gavin Newsom. “If you’re wondering what her policies are going to be like, just look who she hangs around with. She recently was hanging around with Gavin Newsom,” Ayotte said, suggesting that Warmington’s affiliations could influence her policy outlook.
Warmington fired back, describing Ayotte as living in a “bubble” and labeling her past work as an “opioid lobbyist working for the highest bidder.” Both candidates vowed to continue the conversation at the upcoming Granite State Debate scheduled for Oct. 29.
What’s next for voters?
New Hampshire voters now have a clear view of where the two leading gubernatorial candidates stand on housing, energy costs and federal tariff policy. The next debate promises to further illuminate each candidate’s vision for the state’s future.
Original reporting: WMUR (Hearst) – local news — read the source article.
