Democratic gubernatorial challenger Cinde Warmington delivers her remarks during the Oct. 19 meeting of the Nashua Rotary Club. Cabinet photo/CHRISTOPER ROBERSON

NASHUA – With just days remaining before the Nov. 3 gubernatorial election, Democratic challenger Cinde Warmington continues to push her message as she trails Republican Gov. Kelly Ayotte by 16 percent.

While meeting with the Nashua Rotary Club on Oct. 19, Warmington said the state’s economic climate has drastically changed since 2024.

“It is a completely different landscape out there,” she said. “People are struggling.”

She said she met a couple in Nashua who want to have a second child; however, they cannot afford childcare. She met another couple in Keene who are struggling to pay their rent despite each of them working two jobs.

Warmington also said small businesses, particularly those in the North Country, are barely getting by as Canadian tourism has dropped by 30 percent.

However, she said Ayotte refuses to believe that anything is wrong.

“Our current governor thinks everything is just coming up roses,” said Warmington.

Warmington said that since Ayotte took office, prescription drug prices have doubled and she has taken $137,790 from data centers. Warmington also called attention to the Education Freedom Accounts, calling the program a “pickpocket scheme.”

“It is decimating our public schools,” she said, adding that Ayotte has no intention of letting up. “She’s going to continue down this path.”.

Regarding the housing crisis, she said more young adults, saddled with student loans, are moving back in with their parents after college. According to the Institute for College Access and Success, 74 percent of New Hampshire college graduates have student loans when they come out of school.

“We are chasing the young people out of our state,” said Warmington.

She also said the construction of new homes has slowed down dramatically.

“We’ve been underbuilding since 2008,” she said.

Therefore, Warmington said the Housing Champions Program must be revived.

“Kelly Ayotte zeroed that fund, it was working,” she said.

Warmington said private equity companies have further complicated the housing crisis as they come into New Hampshire, buy properties and drive up costs.

She said Ayotte responded by signing HB 60 into law, which gives landlords the option of no-fault eviction. According to the legislation, property owners can now “terminate a tenancy at the lease’s expiration under specific conditions.”

“Kelly Ayotte is never going to stop private equity,” said Warmington.

In addition, Warmington said that in August, a coalition of 25 states filed a lawsuit against President Donald Trump accusing him of violating Section 301 of the Trade Act of 1974. New Hampshire was the only state in New England that did not join the coalition.

“You’ve got to be able to stand up to the Trump administration,” said Warmington. “Kelly Ayotte will not stand up to Donald Trump.”

According to the Oct. 16 poll from National Public Affairs, Ayotte leads Warmington, 54 percent to 38 percent.

The Nashua Rotary Club will host U.S. Senate candidate Congressman Chris Pappas (D-NH) on Oct. 26. The event will be held at 12:15 p.m. at the Courtyard by Marriott, 2200 Southwood Dr.