Most Talked-About Controversies Linked to Kelly Ayotte

A closer look at the most debated and controversial moments involving Kelly Ayotte.

Kelly Ayotte is an American attorney and politician currently serving as the 83rd governor of New Hampshire since 2025. As a member of the Republican Party, she previously served as a United States Senator for New Hampshire from 2011 to 2017. Prior to her senatorial tenure, Ayotte was the 27th Attorney General of New Hampshire from 2004 to 2009. Her career demonstrates a significant presence in New Hampshire's political and legal landscape.

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Full Timeline Career & Achievements Controversies & Scandals

2006: Opposed bill to establish castle doctrine for New Hampshire

In 2006, Kelly Ayotte opposed a Republican-backed bill to establish a castle doctrine for New Hampshire.

2010: Said Roe v. Wade should be overturned

In 2010, Kelly Ayotte said that Roe v. Wade should be overturned.

2010: Stated views on same-sex marriage

In 2010, Kelly Ayotte said that same-sex marriage should be a matter for the states to decide.

2010: Acknowledged climate change but opposed cap-and-trade and carbon tax

In 2010, when asked about climate change, Kelly Ayotte acknowledged some human impact but stated that the evidence wasn't conclusive. She also opposed both a cap-and-trade system and a carbon tax to reduce carbon emissions.

2013: Opposed Manchin-Toomey legislation

In 2013, Kelly Ayotte opposed legislation offered by Joe Manchin and Pat Toomey to mandate background checks for all commercial gun sales. She also voted for an amendment that would have increased access to mental health records for background checks and provided funding to prosecute background check violations, but the amendment did not pass.

2014: Led a Republican effort to call for a vote on a bill to implement a 20-week nationwide abortion ban

In 2014, Kelly Ayotte led a Republican effort to call for a vote on a bill to implement a 20-week nationwide abortion ban.

August 2015: Criticized transfer of Guantanamo prisoners

In August 2015, Kelly Ayotte criticized the transfer of 15 prisoners from the Guantanamo Bay detention camp to the United Arab Emirates (UAE), expressing concern about their ties to terrorism and potential resumption of terrorist activities.

June 2016: Voted against background check amendment

In June 2016, Kelly Ayotte voted against an amendment that would have required background checks for gun sales at gun shows, over the internet, and between friends and family. She voted for other amendments related to funding the background check system and defining "mental competency", as well as amendments to block or delay gun sales to known or suspected terrorists, but all four amendments failed.

2016: Legislation on birth control and Planned Parenthood funding

In 2016, Kelly Ayotte offered legislation to make birth control available over-the-counter without a prescription. She also voted to shift federal funding from Planned Parenthood to other community health centers. She received a 100% rating from National Right to Life and an 82% from the pro-life Campaign for Working Families.

2016: NARAL and Planned Parenthood ratings and criticism

In 2016, NARAL Pro-Choice America gave Kelly Ayotte a 15% rating, and pro-choice Planned Parenthood gave her a 6% rating. Also in 2016, Ayotte's Senate reelection campaign was criticized for giving away free condoms at the University of New Hampshire.

2024: Supported current New Hampshire abortion law

In 2024, Kelly Ayotte said she supported current New Hampshire abortion law, which permits abortion on request until 24 weeks of pregnancy. She said she would veto any legislation to restrict abortion during the first 24 weeks. During her gubernatorial campaign, she reversed her previous position and said she opposed federal restrictions on abortion. Ayotte said she supported access to in-vitro fertilization (IVF) treatment.

2024: Opposition to Laws Keeping Gender Identity Confidential

In 2024, while running for governor, Kelly Ayotte said she opposes laws that keep a student's gender identity confidential and supports laws requiring schools to inform parents about a student's gender identity at school.