Chris Sununu

Christopher Thomas Sununu is an American politician and engineer who served as the 82nd governor of New Hampshire from 2017 to 2025. A member of the Republican Party, Sununu is notable for being the son of former New Hampshire governor and White House Chief of Staff John H. Sununu, as well as the younger brother of former U.S. representative and senator John E. Sununu. His educational background includes a degree in civil and environmental engineering from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Before entering politics, Sununu was involved in the private sector as the chief executive officer of the Waterville Valley Resort and served on the New Hampshire Executive Council. His governorship was marked by a focus on fiscal conservatism, tax cuts, and business-friendly policies, alongside efforts to address the opioid crisis in the state.

Early life and career

Chris Sununu was born on November 5, 1974, in Salem, New Hampshire. He hails from a politically active family; his father, John H. Sununu, served as governor of New Hampshire and later as Chief of Staff under President George H.W. Bush. His mother, Nancy Sununu, was the chair of the New Hampshire Republican State Committee and served as First Lady of New Hampshire. He is one of eight siblings, with his older brother, John E. Sununu, having held positions as both a U.S. senator and a U.S. representative.

Sununu's family has a diverse heritage, with roots tracing back to Lebanon. His paternal grandfather was born in the United States, while his father was born in Havana, Cuba. The family's ancestry includes Lebanese and Greek influences, with connections to the Greek Orthodox community. Sununu's paternal grandmother was an immigrant from El Salvador, further adding to the family's multicultural background. When he assumed office as governor, he was sworn in using a Greek Orthodox New Testament Bible that belonged to his family.

For his education, Sununu attended Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology in Virginia, graduating in 1993. He then pursued higher education at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in civil and environmental engineering in 1998. Following his graduation, Sununu briefly attended New York University Tisch School of the Arts as a film student before shifting his focus to engineering.

In his early career, Sununu worked as an environmental engineer, where he specialized in designing systems for the remediation of contaminated sites. His work included soil and groundwater remediation, wastewater treatment plants, and landfill designs. In 2002, he became recognized as an "engineer in training" in California. In 2010, he led a group of investors in acquiring Waterville Valley Resort, where he served as chief executive officer, overseeing a workforce of over 700 employees in the White Mountains region.

Sununu's political career began in earnest when he was elected to the New Hampshire Executive Council, a five-member body that oversees various state functions, from 2011 until 2017. During his tenure on the council, he was involved in significant decisions, including a controversial vote regarding the release of Ward Bird, a man convicted of brandishing a gun. Sununu also participated in the development of the state's 10-Year Highway Plan, which aimed to address transportation needs and financial constraints.

Governorship

Chris Sununu was first elected governor of New Hampshire in the 2016 election, where he ran against Democratic nominee Colin Van Ostern. He secured victory with a margin of approximately two percentage points. Following his initial election, Sununu was reelected in 2018, 2020, and 2022, making him one of the few governors in New Hampshire's history to serve four consecutive terms.

In the 2018 election, Sununu faced Democratic nominee Molly Kelly and won by a notable margin. His 2020 campaign was particularly significant, as he announced his intention to seek a third term rather than challenge incumbent Senator Jeanne Shaheen. Sununu received a historic number of votes for a gubernatorial candidate in New Hampshire, outpacing President Donald Trump in the same election cycle.

In the 2022 election, Sununu announced his candidacy for a fourth term, again opting to run for governor instead of challenging another incumbent, U.S. Senator Maggie Hassan. He won the Republican primary decisively and subsequently triumphed in the general election against Democrat Thomas Sherman and Libertarians Karlyn Borysenko and Kelly Halldorson.

Policy focus and legacy

Throughout his tenure as governor, Sununu emphasized fiscal conservatism and business-friendly policies. His administration prioritized tax cuts and economic growth initiatives, aiming to create a favorable environment for businesses and attract new investments to the state. Sununu's approach to governance included a focus on addressing the opioid crisis, which has been a significant public health issue in New Hampshire. His administration implemented various strategies to combat addiction and support recovery efforts.

Sununu's political stance has been characterized as moderate within the Republican Party. He has taken mixed positions on social issues, supporting certain LGBTQ rights while also advocating for restrictions on specific transgender rights. This nuanced approach has drawn both support and criticism from different factions within the political spectrum.

On July 19, 2023, Sununu announced that he would not seek a fifth term as governor, concluding his time in office. He endorsed Kelly Ayotte as his successor in the upcoming election. Sununu's governorship is noted for its focus on pragmatic governance and a commitment to addressing pressing issues facing New Hampshire, leaving a legacy that reflects both his family's political heritage and his personal approach to leadership.