New Hampshire is one of only two states, along with bordering Vermont, to hold gubernatorial elections every two years as opposed to every four.

Currently, the state's 83rd governor is Republican Kelly Ayotte, who has served since January 9, 2025.

Together, the governor and Executive Council approve contracts with a value of $5,000 or more, approve pardons, and appoint the directors and commissioners, judges, the attorney general and officers in the National Guard.

[4] Traditionally, the governors of the colonial Province of New Hampshire were titled as "President of New Hampshire", beginning with the appointment of the province's first president, John Cutt, in 1679.

After independence, from 1786 to 1791, "President of the State of New Hampshire" was the official style of the position.