Four-term incumbent governor John Lynch was eligible to seek a fifth term.

In the fall of 2011, Lynch announced that he would retire rather than run for re-election.

[1] On September 11, 2012, Democrat Maggie Hassan and Republican Ovide Lamontagne defeated primary opponents to win their parties' nominations.

[2][3] Hassan won the election while carrying every county in the state and began the two-year term on January 3, 2013.

[4] With Cilley With Smith With Kennedy With Bradley With Connolly With Gatsas With Lynch With Marchand With Stephen With Sununu Hassan won both congressional districts.