Ayotte hits rock bottom in UNH poll

Governor Kelly Ayotte’s approval just hit the lowest point of her term according to a new UNH Poll, results that reflect a deeply damaging association to a proposed ICE facility, which the same poll shows is broadly unpopular statewide. (Colin Booth)

By Colin Booth

February 25, 2026

Gov. Kelly Ayotte’s standing with New Hampshire voters has fallen to its lowest point since she took office, with a new University of New Hampshire Granite State Poll showing her net approval rating at 0%, with 47% approving and 47% disapproving, down from +5 in January.

The drop comes amid a politically damaging period for Ayotte that has included intense controversy around a proposed ICE facility in Merrimack — an issue the same poll shows is broadly unpopular statewide. Ayotte’s brand was closely tied with the facility after she refused to take a public position opposing its development and after documents surfaced her administration had been working with ICE officials in its development.

UNH found 57% of New Hampshire residents oppose the proposed Merrimack ICE facility.

In another UNH poll released Wednesday, a majority of Granite State residents said they favor the impeachment of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem.

On Tuesday Ayotte announced that US Department of Homeland Security was abandoning plans to continue its development of the facility in New Hampshire, succumbing to intense political pressure.

Ayotte’s team took shots at the residents of Merrimack after announcing it was abandoning those plans.

“The Democrats love to sing songs and stand in the snow, while Kelly Ayotte is busy getting shit done and delivering what the people of our state are asking for,” Ayotte spokesperson John Corbett said in a statement.

Her approval level remains strong with Republicans, with 88% of those polled approving of her job performance, but she shows significant signs of vulnerability outside her base, with 44% of Independents and just 9% of Democrats approving, which UNH notes is an all-time low for Democratic approval in its tracking.

Author

Colin Booth

Based in Manchester, Colin Booth is Granite Post's political correspondent. A Granite State native and veteran political professional with a deep background in journalism, he's worked on campaigns and programs in battleground states across the country, ranging from New Hampshire, Texas, Pennsylvania and Washington D.C.

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CATEGORIES: GOP ACCOUNTABILITY

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