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Hassan Senate run leaves open field for gubernatorial race

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With an official announcement that she would seek to challenge Sen. Kelly Ayotte for her Congressional seat, Gov. Maggie Hassan removed any lingering doubts as to whether she might seek reelection in 2016. Hassan’s move left the race for the governor’s office wide open, with a host of possible contenders signaling interest in a run.

On the Republican side, only Executive Councilor Chris Sununu has officially announced his candidacy for the office. However, NH Senate Majority Leader Jeb Bradley signaled potential interest in a run, as did Senate Finance Committee Chair Jeanne Forrester.

No official candidates have declared on the Democratic side of the ticket, but with Hassan officially stepping aside, the field is likely to fill quickly. Potential candidates include Portsmouth City Councilor Stefany Shaheen, daughter of U.S. Sen. Jeanne Shaheen, and Executive Councilor Chris Pappas. Executive Councilor Colin Van Ostern also told reporters he would “make a definitive announcement about my own plans for the governor’s race” within a few days.

With Hassan now officially out of the picture, there are likely to be even more potential candidates emerging to make a bid for her office. 

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