The election of Republican Kelly Ayotte as New Hampshire’s governor means 13 women will serve as a state’s chief executive next year, breaking the record of 12 set after the 2022 elections. Governors hold powerful sway in American politics,

A record 13 women will serve as governor next year after the election of New Hampshire Republican Kelly Ayotte, breaking the record set in 2023.

Thirteen women will serve as governors in the US next year, topping the former record of 12 set in 2022. Kelly Ayotte’s win in New Hampshire, which was called by the Associated Press on Monday, toppled the previous high as the Republican is set to become the next governor of the Granite State in January.