Staff Reports
Amid a challenging election night for the GOP, there was a glimmer of hope as Republican Jay Ruais secured the mayoral seat in Manchester, New Hampshire's largest city. This marked a significant change as Democrat Joyce Craig had held the position for eight years. Ruais clinched victory with a narrow margin, winning by fewer than 500 votes over his Democratic opponent.
In his victory speech, Ruais expressed gratitude and a commitment to the people of Manchester, stating, "Today, the voters of Manchester spoke and affirmed our message that Manchester has a great deal of promise, and in order to reach our full potential, we must bring our city together and tackle the challenges we have." He acknowledges the hard work ahead in fulfilling the city's potential.
Thank you Manchester! Now let’s get to work! pic.twitter.com/VYprdirIL2
— Jay Ruais (@JayRuais) November 8, 2023
Outgoing Mayor Craig graciously congratulated Ruais on his victory and recognized the intensity of the campaign. She plans to leave office in January to pursue her bid for governor of New Hampshire next year, assuring that Ruais shares her dedication to making Manchester a stronger and more inclusive city for all.
Republican Governor Chris Sununu also extended his congratulations to Ruais, highlighting the bright future awaiting Manchester under his leadership. Sununu believes the city has chosen strong and innovative leadership and expressed optimism and excitement, stating, "With Mayor Ruais, better and brighter days are ahead for the Queen City."
Looking ahead, Craig will face Executive Councilor Cinde Warmington in the Democratic primary for the gubernatorial race. Meanwhile, Sununu has chosen not to seek another term, leading to a crowded field of Republican candidates, including former Senator Kelly Ayotte and former Senate President Chuck Morse. Craig aims to shift the governor's mansion from Republican to Democratic, mirroring the transition of her current seat.
While the Manchester mayoral race provided a ray of hope for Republicans, the overall election night proved to be challenging for the party, with setbacks in other states like Virginia, Kentucky, and Ohio. Nevertheless, the victory in Manchester underscores the potential for conservative leadership and policies to succeed, even in predominantly Democratic areas.
