Kelly Ayotte is the 83rd Governor of New Hampshire, but that doesn’t mean she’s stuck in an office surrounded by staff. You’re more likely to find her meeting the many extraordinary people across New Hampshire’s 221 towns (or, in her own account, by chance at a bagel shop in Lincoln).
In our conversation, Gov. Ayotte talks about optimism as a real tool for getting things done. We get into what makes New Hampshire’s leaders so accessible, how everyday citizens shape policy, and what “Live Free or Die” means to her.
She also shares how tragedy can turn into progress, why community colleges are one of our greatest strengths, and why knowing the heimlich is surprisingly useful for NH governors.
This episode was recorded at the NH state capitol building on August 19, 2025.
Learn more about Gov. Ayotte at governor.nh.gov
A big thank you to my friend Jesse Lore and the team at Green Wave Electric Vehicles for sponsoring this podcast!
This episode is shared in partnership with our friends at NH Rocks!
Music provided by Sneaky Miles
Summary:
New Hampshire is famous for its citizen legislature and the accessibility of its leaders. What makes that so different?
In this state, anyone can shape policy. You do not need deep pockets or powerful connections. If you see a problem in your community, you can walk up to your representative and say, “Let’s fix this.” That kind of access is rare in other states. People from out of state are shocked when they see a governor sitting in a bagel shop having casual conversations about local issues. It is part of what makes New Hampshire unique.
You talk a lot about optimism. How does that shape your approach to leadership?
Negativity does not accomplish anything. It is actually a barrier to progress. If you approach a difficult problem as an opportunity, you are much more likely to get a good outcome. Optimism is not just an attitude. It is a tool for solving problems and motivating people to act.
Can you share an example of turning a hard moment into something positive?
I recently signed an update to the Move Over Law, named after Trooper Jesse Sherrill who was killed on the side of the road. Now that law protects anyone who might be pulled over or fixing a tire. It shows how even tragedy can lead to meaningful change.
Last fall, former Governor Sununu saved someone from choking at a lobster roll contest. It’s a bit of a ridiculous example, but do you think this says something about NH leaders?
It shows that our leaders are people first. Whether you are the governor or a neighbor down the street, you step up when someone needs help. That willingness to act and that accessibility is something people from other states find hard to believe, but it is real here.
Should heroically saving people with the heimlich become a NH governor tradition? We can recreate that situation.
Please don’t! We want you to survive the podcast.
How do you stay grounded in a role where people often approach you through the lens of grievance?
It is my job to hear concerns, and I embrace that. I often joke that politics is not for the faint of heart. Family keeps me grounded. So does exercise. This morning I walked my dog, Thunder. Taking time to reflect and to be outside is how I keep a positive outlook.
Why do you think New Hampshire ranks so highly on child wellbeing, education, and quality of life?
It comes back to how we solve problems together. Whether it is mental health, education, or economic growth, people in this state get involved and make a difference. Rankings matter, but they are also a reminder that we can never stop striving to be better.
“Live Free or Die” is such a powerful motto. What does it mean to you?
The full quote from General Stark is “Live free or die, death is not the worst of evils.” To me, it means freedom is worth sacrificing for. But it is also about the heart of our people. We are independent, capable, and willing to come together to solve problems. That spirit sets us apart.
The questions, wording, and phrasing in this summary may differ slightly from the original conversation. We provide these summaries to give subscribers a brief, accessible synopsis of the episode. Full episode transcripts are available on granitegoodness.com.
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-Andy
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