Ayotte and Warmington Clash Over Data Centers in N.H. Debate

New Hampshire Gov. Kelly Ayotte, a Republican, and her Democratic challenger, Cinde Warmington, argued over data center regulation, energy policy and opioid oversight in a debate hosted by WMUR-TV on Oct. 29, days before Election Day, according to PolitiFact.

Warmington said two bills in the most recent legislative session — one imposing a moratorium on data centers and another allowing local communities to set limits on them — failed, and blamed Ayotte for not advancing them. PolitiFact confirmed neither bill passed but said responsibility was difficult to assign, and noted that Ayotte has since called for a data center moratorium herself, reversing her earlier position. At an Oct. 22 debate, Ayotte said she lacked legal authority to bar data centers by executive order.

In 2025, Ayotte signed legislation easing rules for "off-grid" energy providers, a change that both supporters and opponents said would attract heavy electricity users such as data centers and cryptocurrency operations to New Hampshire, PolitiFact reported.

The candidates also disputed emissions policy. Ayotte tied Warmington to a net zero by 2040 plan from her 2024 campaign, which Warmington has not revived in 2026. Warmington said she does not oppose gas-powered cars or gas stoves.

Ayotte repeatedly cited Warmington's work as a lawyer and lobbyist for Purdue Pharma in 2001 and 2002. Warmington pointed to Ayotte's 2007 decision as attorney general not to join a multistate opioid suit against the company.

This story was first reported by PolitiFact.