NASHUA - Republican Gov. Kelly Ayotte stated she is open to visitors from anywhere who wish to review New Hampshire election procedures, including officials from the Trump administration, noting this openness aligns with the state's role in the First-in-the-Nation Primary.

She also highlighted that former Manchester Police Chief Allen Aldenberg, approved Wednesday as interim state child advocate, will bring strong commitment to child safety and the leadership needed to carry out Attorney General recommendations for better protection at the Sununu Youth Services Center in Manchester.

Trump Administration Election Oversight

Ayotte, now three-quarters through her initial term, offered these comments after former Executive Councilor and one-time Democratic candidate for governor Andru Volinsky cautioned in an opinion piece that elections face risks from planned Trump administration monitoring in Manchester and Nashua this fall, along with other states.

Volinsky argued that Trump is dispatching personnel to disrupt the primary and general elections in an attempt to block Democratic gains in Congress and possibly the Senate. He added that despite limited resources the Trump Justice Department should prioritize areas with prior voting issues rather than New Hampshire.

Ayotte countered that oversight by any party, including the President, is acceptable for a state-managed election. At a press briefing following the Executive Council session at Nashua Community College, the re-election candidate said she would welcome observers to witness the state's fair and transparent election process, provided they follow proper protocols.

She tied the invitation to New Hampshire's primary status, emphasizing the state's tradition of hosting visitors and its important role in the process. Ayotte also voiced strong disappointment over the Democratic National Committee's recent choice to move South Carolina ahead of New Hampshire in the primary calendar.

State law requires New Hampshire to hold its primary first, a rule tested in the previous cycle. Democratic gubernatorial candidate Cinde Warmington argued that election administration belongs to state officials, not federal authorities, and called for stronger resistance to outside involvement.

SYSC Situation

Ayotte addressed the Sununu Youth Services Center and Aldenberg's appointment, stating full confidence that safety improvements for the facility's troubled youth will be completed before their transfer to a new site at the former Hampstead Hospital, expected in early 2027.

Outgoing child advocate Cassandra Sanchez had alleged abuse in a March letter, but an Attorney General review found no supporting evidence while recommending staff training and body-worn cameras. Funding for the Office of the Child Advocate had been reduced by the legislature. Ayotte stressed the need for safety for both residents and staff in a trauma-informed setting that also supports rehabilitation.

She noted rapid progress, including repurposed body-worn cameras from the Department of Corrections, additional contracted staff, reclassified positions for more counselors and physicians, and coordination with the Department of Justice and county attorneys for thorough incident investigations.

Regarding Aldenberg, Ayotte praised his direct approach and experience with child protection issues, including his comments on the Harmony Montgomery case. She said his background on the Manchester Mental Health board will aid implementation of best practices and Attorney General recommendations while a permanent advocate is sought.

She wants improvements in place before the move to the new Hampstead facility so that strong practices carry forward.

Bell-to-Bell Report on Cell Phone Restrictions in Schools

Ayotte, who promoted a school cell phone ban in her inaugural address, expressed satisfaction with a recent survey of teachers and administrators showing reduced classroom distractions and improved focus in the first year of the policy. Discipline issues have declined, she said, and the coming year offers a chance to share successful approaches across districts. She looks forward to further gains in the fall of 2026.