Governor of New Hampshire

Governor of New Hampshire
source
Post	Governor
Body	New Hampshire
Insigniasize	110
Insigniacaption	Seal of New Hampshire
Flagsize	125
Flagcaption	Flag of the Governor of New Hampshire
Incumbent	Chris Sununu
Incumbentsince	January 5, 2017
Department	Executive branch of the Government of New Hampshire
Style	The Honorable (formal), Governor (informal)
Residence	Bridges House
Seat	Concord, New Hampshire
Termlength	Two years, no term limits
Constituting instrument	Constitution of New Hampshire
Inaugural	Meshech Weare
Formation	1776
Salary	$134,581 (2019)
Website	[https://www.governor.nh.gov/ Official website]

Governor of New Hampshire is the head of the executive branch of the U.S. state of New Hampshire and serves as the commander-in-chief of the state's militia. The officeholder is responsible for implementing state laws, appointing officials, and preparing an annual budget for consideration by the New Hampshire General Court. The position, one of the oldest continuously operating governorships in the United States, has been held by notable figures such as John Taylor Gilman, John Langdon, and current incumbent Chris Sununu.

History

The governorship traces its origins to the colonial period under British America, with the Province of New Hampshire being administered by a royal governor appointed by the Crown. Following the onset of the American Revolution, the New Hampshire Provincial Congress established a revolutionary government in 1776, with Meshech Weare becoming the first president, a title later changed to governor under the state's 1776 constitution. Early governors like Josiah Bartlett, a signer of the Declaration of Independence, and John Sullivan, a veteran of the Continental Army, helped steer the state through the American Revolutionary War. The office's powers were significantly revised by the state's second constitution, drafted in 1784 at the Concord State House, which remains in effect today. Throughout the 19th century, governors were often involved in national debates, including those surrounding the War of 1812, the Missouri Compromise, and the American Civil War.

Powers and duties

The governor possesses broad executive authority as outlined in the Constitution of New Hampshire and state statutes. Key powers include the ability to sign or veto legislation passed by the New Hampshire General Court, though the legislature can override a veto with a two-thirds vote. The governor serves as commander-in-chief of the New Hampshire National Guard and the New Hampshire State Police, and can declare a state of emergency during disasters. The officeholder appoints members to the New Hampshire Executive Council, judges to the New Hampshire Supreme Court and lower courts, and commissioners for departments like the New Hampshire Department of Transportation and the New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services, though many appointments require confirmation by the Executive Council. The governor also prepares and submits an annual budget to the legislature and holds the prerogative of clemency.

Election and succession

The governor is elected by popular vote for a two-year term, with no term limits, in elections held in even-numbered years. Candidates are nominated through partisan primaries administered by the New Hampshire Secretary of State. If the office becomes vacant due to death, resignation, or incapacity, the President of the New Hampshire Senate assumes the governorship, as outlined in the state constitution; this occurred in 2012 when then-Senate President Peter Bragdon briefly acted as governor. The line of succession then proceeds to the Speaker of the New Hampshire House of Representatives. The governor-elect is inaugurated in a ceremony typically held at the New Hampshire State House in Concord, New Hampshire.

List of governors

Since the establishment of the state government in 1776, over 80 individuals have served as governor. The first governor under the state constitution was Meshech Weare. Historically, the office was dominated by members of the Democratic-Republican Party and later the Democratic Party during the 19th century, with figures like Levi Woodbury, who later served on the Supreme Court of the United States. In the 20th and 21st centuries, governors have come from both major parties, including Republicans John H. Sununu, father of the current governor and former White House Chief of Staff, and Judd Gregg, who later became a United States Senator. Notable Democratic governors include John Lynch, who served four consecutive terms, and Jeanne Shaheen, the first woman elected to the office who later became a United States Senator.

Residences and traditions

The official residence of the governor is Bridges House, a Georgian-style home in Concord, New Hampshire purchased by the state in 1969 and named for former Governor Styles Bridges. Prior to its acquisition, governors resided in private homes. The governor's primary office is located in the New Hampshire State House, the oldest state capitol in the United States in which the legislature still meets in its original chambers. A longstanding tradition is the governor's attendance at the annual Laconia Motorcycle Week rally and the ceremonial tapping of the first maple tree during the sugaring season. The governor also traditionally issues proclamations for events like first-in-the-nation presidential primary day and Old Home Day celebrations in towns across the state.

Category:Governors of New Hampshire Category:Government of New Hampshire Category:State constitutions of the United States