Endangered Species: The Decline of Republican Governors
Moderate Republican governors in Democratic-leaning states, known for their ability to work across party lines, are becoming increasingly rare due to the rise of Donald Trump and the Republican Party's hard-right shift. This trend is evident in the departures of Larry Hogan in Maryland, Charlie Baker in Massachusetts, and now Chris Sununu in New Hampshire. Trump's influence has made it difficult for moderate Republicans to win primaries and maintain popularity in blue states. With Sununu's exit, the ranks of Republican governors in states won by Democrats in 2020 continue to dwindle, and Democrats see New Hampshire as a prime opportunity for a gubernatorial flip in 2024.