New Hampshire voters deserve to know where their candidates stand on taxes and spending. The good news for Granite Staters is that two leading Republican candidates for governor of New Hampshire have done just that, by signing the Taxpayer Protection Pledge: a bold written commitment that, if elected, they will “oppose and veto any and all efforts to increase taxes.”
“I commend Chuck Morse and Kelly Ayotte for making it crystal clear to their voters that there will be no tax increases under their watch if elected,” said Grover Norquist, President of Americans for Tax Reform. “With no sales tax and an income tax elimination in just 14 months, New Hampshire is a remarkable island of freedom and prosperity in the Northeast. Granite Staters deserve an ally in the executive branch, now more than ever, who will not reverse this tremendous progress with new wasteful taxes. Indeed, these two candidates have committed to preserving New Hampshire’s status as a low-tax state, ensuring that it becomes even more attractive place to live, invest, and do business.”
Both candidates are seeking to succeed Governor Chris Sununu, a proven fighter for taxpayers and one of 18 incumbent governors around the country who has signed the Pledge. Sununu has been consistent in his support for tax cuts since taking office in 2017, leading several major rounds of tax reform as well as the implementation of Education Freedom Accounts.
Former state Senate President Chuck Morse – who led the Senate during Sununu’s tenure and championed numerous successful tax cutting efforts in the state legislature, including a rapid phase out of the tax on investment income – was the first to sign the Taxpayer Protection Pledge in the governor’s race. He was followed shortly afterward by former U.S. Senator Kelly Ayotte.
While in D.C., Sen. Ayotte stood against wasteful deficit spending and championed a balanced budget amendment to the U.S. Constitution, pushing hard for fiscally responsible tax policy. In making this principled commitment to her voters by signing the Pledge, Ayotte is clear that she plans to do the same if elected New Hampshire governor.
“I am proud to sign the Taxpayer Protection Pledge!” said Ayotte on Twitter. “As Governor, I will protect and grow our NH Advantage to make our state even more affordable for Granite State families and businesses – and I will ensure the Democrats never implement an income or sales tax.”
Morse was equally emphatic that, as a pledge-signing Governor, he would continue the work he started in the state legislature: “Proudly signed the Governor Taxpayer Protection Pledge! As Senate President, I consistently championed tax cuts, empowering Granite Staters to keep more of their hard-earned income. Rest assured, as Governor, I’ll do the same!”
Anyone can say they’re against tax hikes, but only those who are firm in their beliefs will make that commitment in writing. Just ask the 231 members of the United States Congress, or the 18 sitting state governors – all of whom have joined nearly 1,000 state legislators across the country in signing the Taxpayer Protection Pledge.
ATR President Grover Norquist met with Ayotte and Morse in Nashua, NH over the weekend and voiced his appreciation for their strong commitment to tax reform. New candidates sign the Taxpayer Protection Pledge regularly. Please visit the ATR Pledge Database for the most up-to-date information on this race and any others across the country.