Top Trump adviser hints at primary run in New Hampshire
Corey Lewandowski, a top adviser to former president Donald Trump and current Department of Homeland Security staffer, has publicly hinted at a possible Republican primary challenge against New Hampshire Governor Kelly Ayotte in the 2026 election. Lewandowski, who owns a home in Windham, New Hampshire, expressed that being a governor is the most desirable political position and indicated he would consider running for governor despite currently working in the federal government. Ayotte, elected in 2024, has taken a moderate stance on issues such as the nationwide Republican redistricting effort, which she opposed due to its timing during the census period. political analysts remain skeptical about Lewandowski’s chances, viewing his comments as possibly aimed more at generating publicity than a serious campaign move.An administration official noted that Lewandowski would only leave his current role if asked by President Trump or White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles, and his departure could significantly impact the Department of Homeland Security’s atmosphere.
Top Trump adviser hints at primary run against Ayotte in New Hampshire
Top Trump adviser Corey Lewandowski publicly hinted at a primary run against New Hampshire Gov. Kelly Ayotte (R-NH) after she showed resistance to redistricting there.
Lewandowski currently works under Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, but owns a residence in Windham, New Hampshire.
He told Politico Wednesday, “Governor is the only job in Politics I would ever consider giving up what I am currently doing for.” He responded to the report on Thursday, saying he believed it was “newsworthy.”
Lewandowski later said he believes the governor is the “best job” in politics.
“Everyone says being a Governor is the best job in Politics. I agree,” he wrote on X.
Ayotte, elected last year and not due for reelection until 2026, resisted the nationwide Republican redistricting effort in August. She echoed some Democratic sentiments, saying that the mid-decade timing “was off.”
“As I have said before, the timing is off for this, because we are literally in the middle of the census period,” Ayotte said.
“And when I talk to people in New Hampshire … it’s not on the top of their priority list. They want us to continue to work in the legislature on housing issues, child care, keeping the state the safest in the nation, and just making sure that we have the best quality education for our children,” she added.
An administration official told Politico that Lewandowski would only leave if requested to do so by President Donald Trump or White House chief of staff Susie Wiles. The official also said his possible departure would “dramatically change the atmosphere across DHS.”
Before sounding more warm to running for governor Thursday, Lewandowski initially said that there was “Lots of Fake News out there… don’t believe the MSM.”
The Trump adviser considered running for governor of New Hampshire in 2022 but decided against it.
If he did run against Ayotte in 2026, he could take the MAGA lane against the more moderate governor. But it’s unclear how such a lane would resonate with voters. Ayotte and Sununu were noted moderates with name recognition in the state.
NEW HAMPSHIRE GOV. KELLY AYOTTE NOT JOINING REDISTRICTING FIGHT: ‘TIMING IS OFF’
A New Hampshire political consultant expressed doubt to Politico that Lewandowski could win.
“He’s obviously a smart guy, so he throws his name in there just to get headlines. But in the end, he’s not going to do it because he knows he can’t win,” they said.
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