Sen. Kelly Ayotte, R-N.H., won her primary Tuesday evening, setting her up for a face-off in November against Democratic challenger Maggie Hassan, the Granite State’s current governor.
Ayotte easily defeated former Republican state Sen. Jim Rubens and three other Republican contenders Tuesday evening. The senator took an impressive 80 percent lead with just 19 percent of votes counted, the AP reported.
“I’m deeply grateful for the support I received from voters across our state today,” she said in a statement after it became clear she had won the primary. “I’m running because I want to keep fighting for our families and our children’s future and that’s what this election is about: who will be the best voice for New Hampshire in the Senate.
“I’m the only candidate in this race has shown that I will stand up to anyone to do what’s right for our state and I look forward to bringing that message to every corner of the state in the weeks to come,” her statement said.
Democrats are looking to New Hampshire as one of several opportunities to wrest control of the U.S. Senate from Republicans this fall.
Ayotte currently leads Hassan in the general election by a mere 1.8 points, according to a RealClearPolitics polling average.
