Merrimack County Sheriff, A Democrat, Backs New Hampshire's Republican Governor For Re-Election In November

CONCORD, NH — Merrimack County’s sheriff, who is a Democrat, has endorsed New Hampshire’s Republican governor for reelection.

He is also not seeking reelection himself.

David Croft, who was first elected to the position in 2020 after winning a three-way primary race with 220 votes, said he was “proud to support” Gov. Kelly Ayotte’s reelection effort since she always puts the safety of Granite Staters first.

“Public safety shouldn’t be political,” he said, “and her leadership has helped keep New Hampshire the safest state in the nation.”

Ayotte was pleased to get the nod. She called Croft “a key partner” in “bipartisan efforts” to fix the broken bail system and also strengthening penalties for refusing a driving under the influence breathalyzer test as well as other Ayotte first-term priorities.

“I’m proud to have Sheriff Croft’s support,” she said, “and I thank him for his leadership and the work he has done to help keep New Hampshire the safest state in the nation.”

Croft, in a follow-up email to Patch, confirmed he would not be running for reelection in the fall.

“After 43 years,” he said, “I have decided not to run for another term.”

Croft said he will be supporting Peter Shepherd in his run for sheriff in November. Republicans also have three candidates running: Frank Cassidy, who ran two years ago; Jason Gerhard, a former state representative from Northfield who also ran in 2024; and Ben Weir, who ran as a Libertarian in 2022.

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