A record 13 women will serve as governor next year, breaking the record set in 2023. Two women vied in the New Hampshire race that set the new record.

The election of Republican Kelly Ayotte as New Hampshire’s governor means 13 women will serve as a state’s chief executive next year, breaking the record of 12 set after the 2022 elections.

Governors hold powerful sway in American politics, shaping state policy and often using the experience and profile gained to launch campaigns for higher offices. "It matters to have women in those roles to normalize the image of women in political leadership and even more specifically in executive leadership,