New Hampshire Governor's Race

CQ Politics Race Rating: Safe Democratic

Incumbent — John Lynch (D); Running for reelection

Lynch would likely be a solid favorite to win a fourth two-year term in 2010, even if the recent strong Democratic voting trend in New Hampshire was the only thing going for him. But it’s not. The landslide margins Lynch has enjoyed in his two re-election contests so far point to personal popularity that goes past the Democratic base and reaches well into the ranks of the state’s independent voters and even a number of Republicans.

Barring a sharp downturn in Lynch’s fortunes, it appears the only way the governor’s race could become competitive for Republicans is if the incumbent decides instead to pursue the U.S. Senate seat of retiring Republican Judd Gregg— something Lynch has given no indication he will do. In the more likely event that Lynch seeks another term, the open-seat Senate race likely will look much more attractive to potential top-tier Republican candidates.

Race Information

• Incumbent: John Lynch, D
• First Elected: 2004 (3rd term)
• Incumbent Status: Running for reelection
• CQ Politics Race Rating: Safe Democratic

State Information

• U.S. Senate Delegation: 1 Democrat, 1 Republican
• U.S. House Delegation: 2 Democrats

Senators

Judd Gregg, R

First Elected: 1992 (3rd term)

Last Elected: 2004 (66.18%)

Jeanne Shaheen, D

First Elected: 2008 (1st term)

Last Elected: 2008 (51.62%)

State Offices

State House Control: Democratic

State Senate Control: Democratic