Chris Sununu

Chris Sununu is an American politician serving as the 82nd Governor of New Hampshire since 2017. A member of the Republican Party, he is the son of former White House Chief of Staff and Governor of New Hampshire John H. Sununu and brother of former United States Senator John E. Sununu. His tenure has focused on fiscal policies, energy development, and responding to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Early life and education

Christopher T. Sununu was born in Salem, New Hampshire, into a prominent political family. His father, John H. Sununu, served as Governor of New Hampshire and later as White House Chief of Staff under President George H. W. Bush. He attended the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Environmental Engineering. His academic background in engineering and science has frequently informed his approach to policy and governance.

Business career

Prior to entering politics, Sununu built a career in the private sector, primarily in environmental services and management. He served as the Chief Executive Officer of the Waterville Valley Resort, a ski area in the White Mountains. He also worked as an engineer for companies focused on waste management and environmental remediation, including a role at Wheelabrator Technologies. His business experience often shaped his advocacy for regulatory reform and economic development initiatives in New Hampshire.

Political career

Sununu's political career began with his election to the New Hampshire Executive Council in 2010, representing the state's Third District. On the Executive Council of New Hampshire, a unique body with veto power over state contracts and appointments, he established a record of scrutinizing state spending. He was re-elected in 2012 and 2014 before successfully running for the governorship in the 2016 New Hampshire gubernatorial election, defeating Democratic nominee Colin Van Ostern.

Governor of New Hampshire

Since his inauguration in January 2017, Sununu has been re-elected three times, in 2018, 2020, and 2022. His administration has prioritized tax reductions, including the phased elimination of the Interest and Dividends Tax. He signed legislation making New Hampshire the last state in New England to adopt constitutional carry for firearms. During the COVID-19 pandemic, his response emphasized local control, avoiding statewide mask mandates and pursuing a public-private testing strategy with partners like Dartmouth–Hitchcock Medical Center.

Political positions

Sununu is generally considered a fiscally conservative and socially moderate Republican. He has signed multiple state budgets that increased funding for substance misuse programs and mental health services. On energy, he has supported the expansion of transmission projects and opposed the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative. He is pro-Second Amendment and has signed several bills expanding gun rights. He is pro-choice, vetoing multiple bills that would restrict abortion access, and has been a vocal critic of former President Donald Trump.

Personal life

Sununu is married to Valerie Sununu, and the couple has three children. The family resides in Newfields, New Hampshire. An avid outdoorsman, he is a frequent hiker and skier in the White Mountain National Forest. His brother, John E. Sununu, served in the United States House of Representatives and the United States Senate. In 2023, he announced he would not seek a fifth term as governor, fueling speculation about a potential future run for national office. Category:1974 births Category:Living people Category:Governors of New Hampshire Category:Massachusetts Institute of Technology alumni Category:New Hampshire Republicans Category:Sununu family