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,

As Gov.-elect Kelly Ayotte’s new administration begins to take shape, she is tapping two high-profile leaders to head up the process of taking over the corner office at the State House in Concord.