New Hampshire Governor Chris Sununu’s Final State of the State Address: A Legacy of Success and a Call for Continued Fiscal Prudence and Limited Government

New Hampshire Governor Chris Sununu delivered his final State of the State address on Thursday, February 15, 2024, in Concord, New Hampshire. The address was a reflection of his seven-year tenure as the state’s top executive and a call for lawmakers to continue the path of fiscal prudence and limited government that has made New Hampshire a beacon of success.

Sununu, the youngest top executive in the country when he took office in 2017 at the age of 42, has seen control of the Legislature flip from Republican to Democrat and back again. At times, he has had a rocky relationship with members of his own party due to the growing influence of libertarian-leaning members bent on severely limiting state government. However, he gave lawmakers credit for what he deemed one of the state’s greatest achievements during that time: the bipartisan budget that sailed through the Legislature last year.

“Continued success is not inevitable. We must continually challenge ourselves, putting individuals before the system, to strive to be better stewards of taxpayer dollars and more accountable to the people of the state,” Sununu said. “Over these last seven years, New Hampshire has stood out as a beacon of success and a safe haven for freedom and opportunity. We have all put in the hard work, and this has always been a true team effort.”

Sununu, who is only the second governor in New Hampshire history to serve four terms, has just under a year left in the corner office. After flirting with running for U.S. Senate and president, he announced in July that he wouldn’t seek another term as governor. However, he joked about that decision during his final address.

“The filing period to run again isn’t until June, so you never know!” he said, before quickly adding, “Just kidding!”

One topic Sununu didn’t bring up during his speech was the fact that he is the first governor in New Hampshire’s history to sign an abortion ban. The current Legislature is considering at least half a dozen bills aimed at either further restricting the procedure or enshrining abortion rights in state law.

Sununu highlighted investments in affordable housing, education, and mental health during his address. He described successful programs that connect those struggling with addiction with services and recovery-friendly workplaces. Sununu then segued into his recent plan to join other states in sending National Guard soldiers to Texas to control illegal crossings on the U.S.-Mexico border.

“The fentanyl supply over America’s southern border is increasing daily,” Sununu said. “This is not a Texas problem. This is a national crisis, and New Hampshire has the chance to provide specialized support, follow the laws of the land, and keep our citizens safe.”

Sununu asked the Legislature’s fiscal committee for $850,000 on Friday to send 15 Guard members to Texas.

Senate Minority Donna Soucy, a Democrat from Manchester, was pleased to hear Sununu’s praise of the Legislature’s accomplishments but noted one topic he didn’t bring up.

“I think it was most notable that the governor’s greatest accomplishment was the Legislature’s accomplishment,” Soucy said. “The one thing I thought was an omission on his part was the fact that he’s the first governor in New Hampshire’s history to sign an abortion ban. Clearly, it must be something he’s not very proud of.”

Sununu signed a state budget in 2021 that included a ban on abortion after 24 weeks of pregnancy, saying the alternative would have been a veto that would have shut down state government during the coronavirus pandemic.

Sununu’s speech lasted less than half an hour, barely four minutes for each year in office. He used the time to highlight investments in affordable housing, education, mental health, and the state’s opioid crisis. He also discussed his recent plan to join other states in sending National Guard soldiers to Texas to control illegal crossings on the U.S.-Mexico border.

Sununu’s final State of the State address was a reflection of his legacy as a fiscal conservative and a champion of limited government. He urged lawmakers to continue on the path of fiscal prudence and individual freedom that has made New Hampshire a beacon of success.

“We have all put in the hard work, and this has always been a true team effort,” Sununu said. “Let us continue to work together, putting individuals before the system, to strive to be better stewards of taxpayer dollars and more accountable to the people of the state.”

Sununu’s address was met with a standing ovation from lawmakers, a fitting end to his tenure as New Hampshire’s governor. As he leaves office, he leaves behind a legacy of success and a call for continued fiscal prudence and limited government.

In conclusion, New Hampshire Governor Chris Sununu’s final State of the State address was a reflection of his seven-year tenure as the state’s top executive and a call for lawmakers to continue the path of fiscal prudence and limited government that has made New Hampshire a beacon of success. Sununu urged lawmakers to put individuals before the system, be better stewards of taxpayer dollars, and be more accountable to the people of the state. His address was met with a standing ovation from lawmakers, a fitting end to his tenure as New Hampshire’s governor. Sununu leaves behind a legacy of success and a call for continued fiscal prudence and limited government.