Kelly Ayotte

Kelly Ann Ayotte{{Cite web |title=Former Sen. Kelly Ayotte - R New Hampshire, Defeated - 83rd Governor of New Hampshire - Biography {{!}} LegiStorm |url=https://www.legistorm.com/person/bio/151821/Kelly_Ann_Ayotte.html |access-date=2024-11-08 |website=www.legistorm.com |language=en}} was born in Nashua, New Hampshire, on June 27, 1968, the daughter of Kathleen M. (née Sullivan) and Marc Frederick Ayotte. Her father's family is of French–Canadian descent.{{cite web |last=Besant |first=Alexander |date=2012-08-27 |title=Republican stalwart Kelly Ayotte to speak at RNC on Tuesday |url=http://www.globalpost.com/dispatch/news/regions/americas/united-states/120827/republican-stalwart-kelly-ayotte-speak-at-rnc-tu |work=GlobalPost}} Ayotte attended Nashua High School and received a B.A. from Pennsylvania State University in political science.{{Cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=AOsRkb1EJ_EC&dq=%22Kelly+Ayotte%22&pg=PA165|title=Official Congressional Directory: 113th Congress|first=Joint Committee on|last=Printing|date=May 2, 2014|publisher=Government Printing Office|isbn=978-0-16-091922-0 |via=Google Books}} At Penn State, she was initiated into the Delta Gamma sorority.{{cite web|title=Greeks in the 113th Congress|url=http://www.nicindy.org/political-leaders.html|publisher=North American Interfraternity Conference|access-date=January 14, 2015|archive-date=July 28, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140728203604/http://www.nicindy.org/political-leaders.html|url-status=dead}} In 1993, Ayotte received a J.D. from Villanova University School of Law, where she had served as editor of the Environmental Law Journal.{{cite web |title=Kelly Ayotte Biography |url=http://www.biography.com/people/kelly-ayotte-20845731 |access-date=February 18, 2016 |website=Biography Channel |publisher=A&E Television Networks |archive-date=December 31, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181231154554/https://www.biography.com/people/kelly-ayotte-20845731 |url-status=dead }}

Ayotte clerked for Sherman D. Horton, associate justice of the New Hampshire Supreme Court, for one year. From 1994 to 1998, she was an associate at McLane, Graf, Raulerson & Middleton, a Manchester law firm.{{cite web |work=Project Vote Smart |title=Kelly A. Ayotte (NH) |url=http://www.votesmart.org/bio.php?can_id=42352 |access-date=January 2, 2023 |archive-date=October 29, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101029235710/http://www.votesmart.org/bio.php?can_id=42352 |url-status=dead }}

In 1998, Ayotte joined the office of the New Hampshire attorney general as a prosecutor. In 2001, she married Joseph Daley, a pilot in the National Guard.{{cite web |last=Stylianos |first=Joan |date=June 6, 2016 |title=The Heart of Nashua: Sen. Kelly Ayotte is exactly where she wants to be |url=http://www.unionleader.com/Joan-Stylianos-The-Heart-of-Nashua-Sen-Kelly-Ayotte-is-exactly-where-she-wants-to-be |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161018200913/http://www.unionleader.com/Joan-Stylianos-The-Heart-of-Nashua-Sen-Kelly-Ayotte-is-exactly-where-she-wants-to-be |archive-date=October 18, 2016 |website=New Hampshire Union-Leader |publisher=}} In 2003, Ayotte became legal counsel to Governor Craig Benson. Three months later, she returned to the attorney general's office as deputy attorney general.{{cite news |last=Cullen |first=Fergus |date=March 27, 2010 |title=Kelly Ayotte's rise combines merit and preparation |work=New Hampshire Union-Leader |url=http://unionleader.com/article.aspx?headline=Fergus+Cullen%3a+Kelly+Ayotte%E2%80%99s+rise+combines+merit+and+preparation&articleId=21f80804-91bc-40af-bcb1-bff2bbec2034 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://archive.today/20101204082618/http://unionleader.com/article.aspx?headline=Fergus+Cullen:+Kelly+Ayotte%E2%80%99s+rise+combines+merit+and+preparation&articleId=21f80804-91bc-40af-bcb1-bff2bbec2034 |archive-date=December 4, 2010}} In June 2004, Benson appointed Ayotte as attorney general of the state of New Hampshire after Peter Heed resigned.{{cite news |title=Looking at the law with Kelly Ayotte |url=http://www.nhbr.com/Archive-2004/Looking-at-the-law-with-Kelly-Ayotte/ |access-date=February 18, 2016 |publisher=New Hampshire Business Review |date=September 17, 2004}} Ayotte had both her children while serving as the first and only female New Hampshire attorney general.{{cite news |last=Owens |first=Jennifer |date=July 25, 2016 |title=Mom to Mom On the Issues: An Interview with Senators Ayotte & Gillibrand |work=Working Mother |url=http://www.workingmother.com/senator-moms |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160729181238/http://www.workingmother.com/senator-moms |archive-date=July 29, 2016}}

Ayotte joined eight other states' attorneys general to sue federal regulators over a rules change that made clean air emissions standards for power plants less strict and eliminated clean air reporting and monitoring requirements.{{cite journal |title=New York v. EPA: State Response to a Federal Regulatory Rollback |journal=Ecology Law Quarterly |volume=33}}{{cite web |url=https://caselaw.findlaw.com/us-dc-circuit/1290248.html |title=413 F.3d 3 (D.C. Cir. 2005) |date=June 24, 2005}}

In 2005, the court agreed with Ayotte and the others that the Environmental Protection Agency must measure changes in the emissions from power plants and could not exempt power plants from reporting their emissions.

As assistant attorney general, Ayotte prosecuted two defendants for the 2001 Dartmouth College murders in Etna, New Hampshire.

As attorney general, Ayotte prosecuted the high-profile case surrounding the 2006 murder of Manchester police officer Michael Briggs in the line of duty. It resulted in a conviction and death penalty sentence.{{cite news |last=Zezima |first=Katie |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2008/12/19/world/americas/19iht-19death.18815154.html |title=Jury issues first death sentence in New Hampshire since the 1950s |newspaper=The New York Times |date=November 19, 2008 |access-date=January 2, 2023 |url-access=registration}} Members of Briggs's family praised her leadership in ads for her 2010 Senate campaign.{{cite news |date=August 4, 2010 |title=Ayotte Ad Features Family Of Michael Briggs |publisher=WMUR |url=http://www.wmur.com/politics/24511926/detail.html |url-status=dead |access-date=February 18, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120229084532/http://www.wmur.com/politics/24511926/detail.html |archive-date=February 29, 2012}}{{cite web |last=Schoenberg |first=Shira |date=August 5, 2010 |title=Briggs family in Ayotte ad |url=https://www.concordmonitor.com/Archive/2010/08/999788604-999788604-1008-CM |website=Concord Monitor}}

{{main|Ayotte v. Planned Parenthood of Northern New England}}

In 2003, the United States District Court for the District of New Hampshire found the Parental Notification Prior to Abortion Act, a New Hampshire law requiring parental notification of a minor's abortion, unconstitutional, and enjoined its enforcement. In 2004, New Hampshire Attorney General Peter Heed appealed the ruling to the United States Court of Appeals for the First Circuit, which affirmed the district court's ruling. In 2004, Ayotte appealed the First Circuit's ruling to the Supreme Court, over the objection of incoming Governor John Lynch. She personally argued the case before the Supreme Court.{{Citation needed|date=October 2022|reason=}} The Supreme Court unanimously vacated the district court's ruling and remanded the case back to the district court, holding that it was improper for the district court to invalidate the statute completely instead of just severing its problematic portions or enjoining its unconstitutional applications.[https://www.law.cornell.edu/supct/html/04-1144.ZS.html Ayotte v. Planned Parenthood of N. New England]. Law.cornell.edu. Retrieved on November 13, 2010. In 2007, the New Hampshire legislature repealed the law, mooting the need for rehearing by the district court.{{cite news |last=Dandurant |first=Karen |url=https://www.seacoastonline.com/story/news/2008/09/04/planned-parenthood-to-have-attorney/52278659007/ |title=Planned Parenthood to have attorney's fees paid |website=Seacoastonline.com |date=September 4, 2008 |access-date=January 2, 2023}}

In 2008, Planned Parenthood sued to recover its attorney fees and court costs from the New Hampshire Department of Justice.{{cite web |first=Karen |last=Dandurant |title=Planned Parenthood to have attorney's fees paid |url=http://www.seacoastonline.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080904/NEWS/80904028 |publisher=Seacoastonline.com |date=September 4, 2008 |access-date=September 9, 2010 |archive-date=December 4, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181204091339/http://www.seacoastonline.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080904/NEWS/80904028 |url-status=dead }} In 2009, Ayotte, as attorney general, authorized a payment of $300,000 to Planned Parenthood to settle the suit.[http://www.nashuatelegraph.com/news/842363-196/in-09-ayotte-okd-settling-abortion-case.html "In '09, Ayotte OK’d settling abortion case"], Nashua Telegraph, September 3, 2010.

While attorney general, Ayotte served as a member of the Public Advisory Board at the New Hampshire Institute of Politics at Saint Anselm College.{{cite web|url=http://www.anselm.edu/nhiop/about/public+advisory+board|title=New Hampshire Institute of Politics: Saint Anselm College|publisher=Anselm.edu|access-date=August 23, 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100527134549/http://www.anselm.edu/nhiop/about/public+advisory+board/|archive-date=May 27, 2010|url-status=dead}} In 2011, she returned to the Institute as a senator to talk to political science students.{{cite web|last=LeBlanc|first=Barbara|title=U.S. Senator Kelly Ayotte Speaks to Politics Students|url=http://www.anselm.edu/Academics/Majors-and-Departments/Politics/US-Senator-Kelly-Ayotte-Speaks-to-Politics-Students.htm|publisher=Saint Anselm College: New Hampshire Institute of Politics|access-date=August 4, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130906050545/http://www.anselm.edu/Academics/Majors-and-Departments/Politics/US-Senator-Kelly-Ayotte-Speaks-to-Politics-Students.htm|archive-date=September 6, 2013|url-status=dead}}

In 2013, Ayotte attended a forum at Saint Anselm College to explain the Never Contract With the Enemy Act (S. 675), which she co-sponsored with Richard Blumenthal.{{cite web|title=Ayotte, Blumenthal Introduce "Never Contract with the Enemy" Bill|url=http://www.ayotte.senate.gov/?p=press_release&id=911|publisher=Office of U.S. Senator Kelly Ayotte|access-date=August 4, 2013|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140221014840/http://www.ayotte.senate.gov/?p=press_release&id=911|archive-date=February 21, 2014|df=mdy-all}} She was accompanied by Special Inspector General for Iraq Reconstruction Stuart Bowen. They addressed military contractor fraud and how to prevent funds paid to military contractors in Afghanistan and Iraq from winding up in the hands of parties hostile to the United States.{{cite web |title=Ayotte calls for tighter controls on spending in Afghanistan |date=May 28, 2013 |url=https://www.wmur.com/article/ayotte-calls-for-tighter-controls-on-spending-in-afghanistan/5181923 |publisher=WMUR-TV |access-date=January 2, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201020003749/https://www.wmur.com/article/ayotte-calls-for-tighter-controls-on-spending-in-afghanistan/5181923 |archive-date=October 20, 2020 |url-status=live |df=mdy-all}}

{{main|2010 United States Senate election in New Hampshire}}

Ayotte resigned as attorney general on July 7, 2009, to explore a run for U.S. Senate in 2010.{{cite news |last=Tirrell |first=David |title=Ayotte to resign as AG to explore race for US Senate |url=http://www.fosters.com/article/20090707/news0201/907079965 |access-date=February 18, 2016 |agency=Associated Press |publisher=Seacoast Online |date=July 7, 2009}}[http://www.politico.com/news/stories/0910/42537.html#ixzz10MVDn8vP Ovide Lamontagne to raise funds for rival – Shira Toeplitz]. Politico. Retrieved on November 13, 2010. The crowded Republican primary field included former congressional and gubernatorial candidate Ovide M. Lamontagne, businessman and owner of NH1 News William Harrison Binnie, and State Representative Tom Alciere. Ayotte had never run for office, but narrowly won the primary election on September 14, 2010.{{Cite web|url=http://www.sos.nh.gov/stateprimary%202010/usssumrep.pdf|title=Election Results|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170225015159/http://www.sos.nh.gov/stateprimary%202010/usssumrep.pdf|archive-date=February 25, 2017|url-status=dead}} In the general election, she defeated Democratic nominee U.S. Representative Paul Hodes, 60% to 37%.{{cite web |title=Election 2010 New Hampshire |url=http://elections.nytimes.com/2010/results/new-hampshire |work=The New York Times |access-date=February 18, 2016}}

File:U.S. Senator Kelly Ayotte from New Hampshire speaking for 2012 Republican Presidential Candidate Mitt Romney.jpg]]

Ayotte was endorsed by John McCain, Sarah Palin, John Thune, Tom Coburn, Mitt Romney, Tim Pawlenty, Haley Barbour, and Rick Santorum.{{cite web|url=http://www.rollcall.com/issues/56_39/-50819-1.html|title=GOP Has Plans for Ayotte if She Wins|work=Roll Call|date=October 18, 2010}} According to one senior GOP aide, "The addition of a Republican woman from New England who's young, who's a mom ... all of these things broaden the Republican party's appeal and say to different segments of the population, 'This party has folks in it that are just like you.'"

{{main|2016 United States Senate election in New Hampshire}}

In 2016, Ayotte ran for reelection to the U.S. Senate against Maggie Hassan, New Hampshire's sitting governor.{{cite news|last1=Tuohy|first1=Dan|title=Ayotte, Hassan draw election battle lines|url=http://www.unionleader.com/Ayotte-Hassan-draw-battle-lines|access-date=19 February 2016|publisher=New Hampshire Union Leader|date=October 6, 2015|archive-date=October 8, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151008104209/http://www.unionleader.com/Ayotte-Hassan-draw-battle-lines|url-status=dead}}

In February 2016, the Koch Brothers-linked conservative advocacy group Americans for Prosperity announced that Ayotte was the lone vulnerable Republican U.S. senator the group would not support in 2016, due to her support for the Clean Power Plan to combat climate change.{{Cite news |last=DiStaso |first=John |date=February 18, 2016 |title=New Hampshire Primary Source: Kelly Ayotte not worried about rejection by Koch brothers group. |work=WMUR |url=http://www.wmur.com/politics/new-hampshire-primary-source-kelly-ayotte-not-worried-about-rejection-by-koch-brothers-group/38046310 |access-date=February 19, 2016}}

On May 4, 2016, an Ayotte spokeswoman said Ayotte "intends to support the Republican nominee" for U.S. president but did not plan to make an endorsement.{{Cite web|url=http://www.wmur.com/politics/wmur-first-after-trump-win-ayotte-plans-to-support-him-spokeswoman-says/39373086|title=Updated WMUR first: After Trump win, Ayotte 'plans to support' him, spokeswoman says|last=DiStaso|first=John|website=WMUR|date=May 4, 2016|access-date=2016-05-04}} In October 2016, after lewd sexual comments Republican nominee Donald Trump made in a 2005 video came to light, Ayotte said that as a mother and a former prosecutor who had worked with victims, she could no longer vote for Trump,{{Cite news|url=http://www.unionleader.com/voters-first/ayotte-says-speaking-out-on-trump-more-important-than-winning-election-20161009|title=Ayotte says speaking out on Trump more important than winning election|last=Couisneau|first=Michael|date=October 9, 2016|work=New Hampshire Union Leader|access-date=November 1, 2016|archive-date=November 3, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161103234434/http://www.unionleader.com/voters-first/ayotte-says-speaking-out-on-trump-more-important-than-winning-election-20161009|url-status=dead}} and would write in Mike Pence for president.{{cite news|last1=Scott|first1=Eugene|title=Crapo, Ayotte pull support for Trump|url=http://www.cnn.com/2016/10/08/politics/donald-trump-video-women-remarks-republicans|access-date=October 8, 2016|publisher=CNN}}

Ayotte lost her seat to Hassan by 1,017 votes.{{Cite web|url=http://sos.nh.gov/2016USSGen.aspx?id=8589963690|title=United States Senate - 2016 General Election|access-date=2021-11-07|date=2016-12-24|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161224190427/http://sos.nh.gov/2016USSGen.aspx?id=8589963690|archive-date=December 24, 2016}}

Ayotte was endorsed by the New Hampshire Troopers' Association, the New England Narcotics Enforcement Officers' Association, and the Manchester Police Patrolmen's Association.{{Cite news|url=http://www.unionleader.com/NH_Troopers_among_three_police_unions_endorsing_Ayotte|title=NH Troopers Association among 3 police unions endorsing Ayotte|date=October 19, 2016|work=New Hampshire Union Leader|access-date=November 1, 2016|archive-date=November 3, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161103234234/http://www.unionleader.com/NH_Troopers_among_three_police_unions_endorsing_Ayotte|url-status=dead}} She was also endorsed by the New Hampshire Union Leader, the Nashua Telegraph, the Caledonian-Record, and the Portsmouth Herald. The Herald endorsement was notable as it had endorsed Ayotte's opponent, Maggie Hassan, in Hassan's previous runs for office.{{Cite news|url=http://www.seacoastonline.com/article/20121014/OPINION/210140323|title=Hassan is best for N.H.|date=October 14, 2012|work=Portsmouth Herald}}

File:Kelly Ayotte, Official Portrait, 112th Congress 2.jpg

Ayotte helped include provisions in the Every Student Succeeds Act to boost STEM education, particularly among girls and underrepresented minorities, and to support career and technical education in schools.{{Cite web|url=http://www.newhampshire.com/New-education-law-wins-bipartisan-praise|title=New education law wins bipartisan praise|date=December 9, 2015|publisher=New Hampshire Union Leader|access-date=November 2, 2016|archive-date=November 3, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161103233958/http://www.newhampshire.com/New-education-law-wins-bipartisan-praise|url-status=dead}}{{Cite web|url=http://www.eagletribune.com/news/ayotte-sees-londonderry-school-success-in-action/article_422ec3a6-e276-556c-a098-cb6e07094c50.html|title=Ayotte sees Londonderry school success in action|date=August 29, 2016|publisher=Eagle-Tribune|access-date=November 9, 2016}}

Ayotte strongly opposed the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's proposal to pass significant at-sea monitoring costs to New Hampshire's fishermen and brought NOAA officials to New Hampshire to hear from fishermen.{{Cite web|url=http://www.seacoastonline.com/article/20150918/NEWS/150918994|title=Ayotte, fishermen meet with federal officials|publisher=Portsmouth Herald|access-date=November 9, 2016}} NOAA later backed off from the proposal.{{Cite web|url=http://newbostonpost.com/2016/06/23/ayotte-lauds-noaa-decision-to-reimburse-fishermen|title=Ayotte lauds NOAA decision to reimburse fishermen|date=June 23, 2016|publisher=New Boston Post}}

Ayotte served on the Senate Armed Services and Homeland Security Committees and was widely regarded as a leader on national security and foreign policy.{{Cite web|url=http://www.seacoastonline.com/news/20161023/editorial-re-elect-kelly-ayotte-to-us-senate|title=Re-elect Kelly Ayotte to U.S. Senate|date=October 24, 2016|publisher=Portsmouth Herald}}{{Cite web|url=http://www.unionleader.com/article/20161023/OPINION01/161029725/0/SEARCH|title=Ayotte for Senate: NH's independent leadership|date=October 22, 2016|publisher=Union Leader|access-date=November 2, 2016|archive-date=November 4, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161104000236/http://www.unionleader.com/article/20161023/OPINION01/161029725/0/SEARCH|url-status=dead}}{{Cite web|url=http://www.nashuatelegraph.com/opinion/editorials/1086494-465/its-kelly-ayotte-for-us-senate.html|title=It's Kelly Ayotte for U.S. Senate|date=October 23, 2016|publisher=Nashua Telegraph|access-date=November 9, 2016}}

Ayotte led legislative efforts to keep suspected terrorists at Guantanamo Bay rather than closing it and transferring them to U.S. soil.{{Cite web|url=https://riponadvance.com/stories/ayotte-report-details-terrorist-activities-affiliations-guantanamo-bay-detainees/|title=Ayotte report details terrorist activities, affiliations of Guantanamo Bay detainees|date=August 15, 2016|publisher=Ripon Advance}}

She was an outspoken critic of the Iran nuclear deal, saying that Iran is the largest state sponsor of terrorism in the world.{{Cite web|url=http://www.cnn.com/2016/06/02/politics/state-department-report-terrorism/|title=State Department report finds Iran is top state sponsor of terror|date=June 2, 2016|publisher=CNN}} She proposed strict new sanctions on Iran.{{Cite web|url=https://thehill.com/blogs/floor-action/senate/281262-senate-gop-ties-iran-sanctions-fight-to-defense-bill/|title=Senate GOP ties Iran sanctions fight to defense bill|date=May 25, 2016|work=The Hill}}

Ayotte was critical of the Obama administration's response to ISIS and called for increased airstrikes against ISIS.{{Cite web|url=http://www.concordmonitor.com/Kelly-Ayotte-makes-national-security-speech-3378525|title=Kelly Ayotte calls for increased airstrikes against ISIS|date=July 11, 2016|publisher=Concord Monitor}}

Ayotte was one of four senators, two Republicans and two Democrats, who introduced the Comprehensive Addiction and Recovery Act, federal legislation to support local solutions and implement a comprehensive federal strategy to tackle the heroin and prescription opioid abuse epidemic.{{Cite web|url=http://www.newhampshire.com/politics/Federal-fight-vs-opioid-addiction-to-take-a-big-step-07132016|title=Federal fight vs. opioid addiction to take a big step|date=July 13, 2016|publisher=Union Leader|access-date=November 2, 2016|archive-date=November 3, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161103234255/http://www.newhampshire.com/politics/Federal-fight-vs-opioid-addiction-to-take-a-big-step-07132016|url-status=dead}} The bill was structured around prevention, treatment, recovery, and support for first responders.

Ayotte also cosponsored bills to improve care for infants born addicted or in withdrawal and help expectant and new mothers struggling with addiction get treatment.{{Cite web|url=https://www.congress.gov/bill/114th-congress/senate-bill/799/cosponsors|title=Protecting Our Infants Act|date=March 19, 2015}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.congress.gov/bill/113th-congress/senate-bill/1690|title=Second Chance Reauthorization Act|date=November 13, 2013}} She backed successful efforts to better look after kids in schools who are struggling with addiction issues at home and to stop the flow of drugs across the southern border.{{Cite web|url=https://trumpwhitehouse.archives.gov/ondcp/high-intensity-drug-trafficking-areas-program|work=Office of National Drug Control Policy|title=High Intensity Drug Trafficking Areas Program|via=National Archives|date=October 13, 2016}}

Ayotte was a vocal proponent of reauthorizing the Perkins Loan program, as she argued roughly 5,000 New Hampshire students relied on it.{{cite web |url=http://www.nashuatelegraph.com/life/health-lifestyle/2015/12/21/congress-passes-an-extension-to-expired-program/|title=Congress passes an extension to expired program |last=Forbes|first=Tina|date=December 21, 2015|work=Nashua Telegraph|access-date=May 21, 2017}}

Ayotte routinely included provisions in annual defense authorization bills that supported the work being done at Portsmouth Naval Shipyard and Pease Air National Guard Base, and by the New Hampshire National Guard. She also strongly opposed further rounds of the base realignment and closing commission.{{cite web|url=http://www.seacoastonline.com/news/20160509/ayotte-speaks-out-against-brac-discussions|title=Ayotte speaks out against BRAC discussions|last=Early|first=Brian|date=May 9, 2016|website=Portsmouth Herald|access-date=May 21, 2017|archive-date=November 4, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161104001150/http://www.seacoastonline.com/news/20160509/ayotte-speaks-out-against-brac-discussions|url-status=dead}}

Ayotte included provisions in the Veterans' Access to Care through Choice, Accountability, and Transparency Act of 2014 to allow New Hampshire veterans to receive medical care closer to home.{{Cite web|url=http://www.unionleader.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20151017/NEWS18/151019373/-1/news18|title=U.S. Sens. Kelly Ayotte and Jeanne Shaheen speak with veterans regarding the Veterans Choice Card program in Manchester|date=October 16, 2015|work=New Hampshire Union Leader|last=Alden|first=Doug|access-date=November 2, 2016|archive-date=November 4, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161104000016/http://www.unionleader.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20151017/NEWS18/151019373/-1/news18|url-status=dead}} She was the only member of the New Hampshire delegation to vote against a budget proposal the singled out veterans' benefits for cuts.{{cite web |url=https://www.senate.gov/legislative/LIS/roll_call_lists/roll_call_vote_cfm.cfm?congress=113&session=1&vote=00209|title=Roll Call Vote 209|date=September 27, 2013}} She offered and cosponsored legislation to give veterans access to cutting-edge prosthetics, strengthen mental health services for veterans and their families, and improve the support system for military families.FY 2013 National Defense Authorization Act.{{cite web|url=https://www.congress.gov/bill/112th-congress/senate-bill/1465/cosponsors|title=Joining Forces for Military Mental Health Act|date=August 1, 2011}}{{cite web |url=https://www.congress.gov/bill/113th-congress/senate-bill/2276/cosponsors|title=Caring for America's Heroes Act|date=May 1, 2014}}

Ayotte supported tax reform to simplify the tax code and lower rates. She said she believed it would help bring back trillions of dollars parked overseas.{{cite web|url=http://www.nashuatelegraph.com/life/health-lifestyle/2016/03/30/ayotte-calls-for-tax-reform-in-milford/|title=Ayotte calls for tax reform in Milford|last=Garofolo|first=Chris|date=March 30, 2016|work=Nashua Telegraph}}

In December 2015, Ayotte voted to suspend the Medical Device Tax, which she said threatened nearly 3,500 manufacturing jobs in New Hampshire.{{cite web|url=http://www.unionleader.com/article/20160711/NEWS02/160709345|title=Medical device tax affects small businesses|last=Okun|first=Eli|date=July 10, 2016|website=New Hampshire Union Leader|access-date=May 21, 2017|archive-date=November 4, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161104001046/http://www.unionleader.com/article/20160711/NEWS02/160709345|url-status=dead}} She was also a leading opponent of the Internet sales tax.{{cite web|url=http://www.unionleader.com/Shaheen-Ayotte-vow-to-fight-sales-tax-on-Internet-transactions|title=Shaheen, Ayotte vow to fight sales tax on Internet transactions|last=Solomon|first=Dave|date=February 16, 2016|website=New Hampshire Union Leader|access-date=May 21, 2017|archive-date=June 11, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170611221312/http://www.unionleader.com/Shaheen-Ayotte-vow-to-fight-sales-tax-on-Internet-transactions|url-status=dead}}

Ayotte supported a balanced budget amendment to the Constitution and helped pass the Senate's first balanced budget in 14 years.{{cite web|url=http://info.nhpr.org/senator-kelly-ayotte-pushes-balanced-budget-amendment|title=Senator Kelly Ayotte Pushes Balanced Budget Amendment|date=October 15, 2016|publisher=New Hampshire Public Radio|access-date=August 29, 2016|archive-date=September 14, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160914185152/http://info.nhpr.org/senator-kelly-ayotte-pushes-balanced-budget-amendment|url-status=dead}}

Ayotte offered a variety of legislation to eliminate wasteful spending and duplicate or unnecessary programs.

Ayotte offered the Gender Advancement in Pay Act to implement New Hampshire's equal pay law at the federal level.{{Cite web|url=https://thinkprogress.org/a-republican-senator-just-offered-a-serious-idea-for-combating-the-gender-wage-gap-2fad22312d8a#.1923t5n44|title=A Republican Senator Just Offered A Serious Idea for Combating the Gender Wage Gap|date=September 23, 2015|publisher=ThinkProgress}}

Ayotte and Jeanne Shaheen cosponsored a bill to combat pregnancy discrimination in the workplace and ensure expectant mothers can continue working during pregnancy.{{Cite web|url=https://politics.concordmonitor.com/2015/06/gov-federal/ayotte-shaheen-sponsor-bill-to-protect-pregnant-workers/ |title=Ayotte, Shaheen sponsor bill to protect pregnant workers |date=June 6, 2015 |publisher=Concord Monitor |url-status=bot: unknown |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150907175617/https://politics.concordmonitor.com/2015/06/gov-federal/ayotte-shaheen-sponsor-bill-to-protect-pregnant-workers/ |archive-date=September 7, 2015 }}

She offered and cosponsored legislation to make it easier for employers to offer flex-time to working parents and to expand access to affordable childcare.{{Cite web|url=https://www.usnews.com/news/articles/2015/03/24/senate-republicans-offer-their-own-paid-family-leave-proposal|title=Senate Republicans Offer Their Own Paid Family Leave Proposal|date=March 24, 2015|publisher=U.S. News & World Report}}{{Cite web|url=http://www.fosters.com/news/20160729/ayotte-tours-ymca|title=Ayotte Tours YMCA|date=July 29, 2016|publisher=Foster's Daily Democrat}}

Ayotte sponsored 217 bills, including:{{cite web|title=Senator Ayotte's Legislation|url=https://www.congress.gov/member/kelly-ayotte/2075?q=%7B%22sponsorship%22%3A%22sponsored%22%2C%22type%22%3A%22bills%22%7D|publisher=congress.gov|access-date=November 24, 2014}}

• S. 2320, a bill to treat Clark Veterans Cemetery in the Republic of the Philippines as a permanent military cemetery in a foreign country under the purview of the American Battle Monuments Commission, and to have the Commission restore and maintain the cemetery, introduced April 19, 2012. This bill did not become law, but an agreement has since been made between the U.S. and Philippine governments to do what the bill intended.{{cite news|date=December 13, 2013|title=U.S. and Philippine governments reach agreement on Clark Veterans Cemetery|url=http://www.cvcra.org/news_dec1313.php|access-date=November 24, 2014|archive-date=January 5, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140105030848/http://www.cvcra.org/news_dec1313.php|url-status=dead}}

• S. 31, a bill to permanently ban state and local governments from imposing taxes on the access to the internet and on goods sold by means of the internet, introduced January 22, 2013.{{cite news|last1=Callahan|first1=Kathleen|title=Ayotte measure seeks to make Internet tax ban permanent|url=http://www.nhbr.com/January-25-2013/Ayotte-measure-seeks-to-make-Internet-tax-ban-permanent/|access-date=February 18, 2016|publisher=New Hampshire Business Review|date=February 1, 2013}}
• S. 263, a bill to prohibit federal agencies from hiring more than one employee for every three full-time employees who leave employment from that agency until the Office of Management and Budget determines that employment in that agency is at least 10% less than it was previously, and to prohibit members of Congress from receiving a cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) in their pay in years in which the federal government has a budget deficit, introduced February 7, 2013.{{cite web|title=HOUSE AND SENATE INTRODUCE BILL CALLING FOR CUTS TO FEDS|url=http://www.fedmanagers.org/index.php?bid=29&storyId=454&formid=400|publisher=Federal Managers Association|access-date=February 18, 2016|archive-date=February 19, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160219012148/http://www.fedmanagers.org/index.php?bid=29&storyId=454&formid=400|url-status=dead}}
• S. 1406, introduced July 31, 2013, a bill to permit the Secretary of Agriculture to issue regulations for the issuance of permits for people hired for the management of horse shows, exhibitions, auctions, and sales, requiring them to be qualified to identify instances of soring. People receiving the permits must be cleared of any potential conflicts of interest and preference is to be given to accredited veterinarians. The bill further makes it a crime to sell, auction, exhibit, or race any sore horse, and bans Tennessee Walking Horses, Racking horses, and Spotted Saddle horses from being sold, auctioned, exhibited, or raced if they are equipped with any action device (which the bill defines) or equipment that would alter the horse's gait. A companion bill was introduced in the House of Representatives as H.R. 1518.{{cite news|last1=Barton|first1=Paul|title=GOP-sponsored horse soring bill advances in Senate|url=http://www.tennessean.com/story/news/politics/2014/04/09/gop-sponsored-horse-soring-bill-advances-senate/7527889/|access-date=February 18, 2016|publisher=The Tennessean|date=April 10, 2014}}
• S. 1764, a bill to prohibit the Department of Defense from retiring the Fairchild Republic A-10 Thunderbolt II until a sufficient number of Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning IIs have been constructed to replace the existing A-10s, introduced November 21, 2013.{{cite news|last1=Wong|first1=Kristina|title=GOP senators vow to keep A-10 flying|url=https://thehill.com/policy/defense/241066-gop-senators-vow-to-keep-the-a-10-warthog-flying/|access-date=February 18, 2016|work=The Hill|date=May 5, 2015}}

File:Kelly Ayotte speaks with Company Grade Officers with the New Hampshire National Guard.jpg]]

• Committee on Armed Services
• Subcommittee on Emerging Threats and Capabilities
• Subcommittee on Readiness and Management Support (chair)
• Subcommittee on Seapower
• Committee on the Budget
• Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation
• Subcommittee on Aviation Operations, Safety, and Security (chair)
• Subcommittee on Communications, Technology, and the Internet
• Subcommittee on Oceans, Atmosphere, Fisheries, and Coast Guard
• Subcommittee on Surface Transportation and Merchant Marine Infrastructure, Safety, and Security
• Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs
• Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations
• Federal Spending Oversight and Emergency Management
• Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship

During her time in the Senate, Ayotte received a number of awards for her legislative activity from various civic organizations and interest groups, including the National Retail Federation,{{cite web |url=https://votesmart.org/public-statement/1004221/nh-retailers-honor-ayotte-as-hero-of-main-street#.WBkKTS0rJ6s |title=NH Retailers Honor Ayotte as 'Hero of Main Street' |date=July 30, 2015 |website=Votesmart.org |publisher=Vote Smart}} CCAGW PAC,{{Cite web|url=http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20161013006566/en/CCAGW-PAC-Endorses-Sen.-Kelly-Ayotte|title=CCAGW PAC Endorses Sen. Kelly Ayotte|date=October 13, 2016|publisher= Council for Citizens Against Government Waste Political Action Committee}} the AARP,{{Cite press release|url=http://states.aarp.org/aarp-gives-champion-50-award-senator-ayotte|title=AARP Gives "Champion of the 50+" Award to Senator Ayotte|date=August 18, 2016|publisher=AARP}} Save the Children,{{Cite web|url=http://www.fosters.com/article/20160412/NEWS/160419759|title=Ayotte, Collins awarded as Champions for Children|date=March 21, 2013|newspaper=Foster's Daily Democrat}} the New Hampshire Veterans of Foreign Wars,{{Cite web|url=http://www.ayotte.senate.gov/?p=press_release&id=1476|title=Ayotte Honored for Work on Behalf of Veterans, Marines|date=June 17, 2014|access-date=November 1, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161104002208/http://www.ayotte.senate.gov/?p=press_release&id=1476|archive-date=November 4, 2016|url-status=dead|df=mdy-all}} the National Association of Police Organizations,{{Cite press release|url=http://www.napo.org/washington-report/latest-news-updates/napo-boycotts-cnn-advertisers-napo-presents-legislative-award-senator-ayotte-napo-supports-james-zadroga-911-health-and-compensa|title=National Association of Police Orders Presents Legislative Award to Senator Ayotte|date=June 16, 2015|publisher=National Association of Police Organizations}} and the Appalachian Trail Conservancy.{{Cite press release|url=http://www.appalachiantrail.org/home/community/news/2015/07/17/senators-kelly-ayotte-and-tim-kaine-receive-appalachian-trail-conservancy-congressional-award|title=Senators Kelly Ayotte and Tim Kaine Receive Appalachian Trail Conservancy Congressional Award|date=July 17, 2015}}

Ayotte was named to several corporate boards of directors, including those of Caterpillar Inc., News Corp., BAE Systems, Boston Properties, Blink Health, Bloom Energy, and Blackstone Group.{{Cite web|url=https://www.directorsandboards.com/news/former-senator-ayotte-join-blackstone-group-board|title=Former Senator Ayotte to Join Blackstone Group Board|date=April 15, 2019|work=Directors and Boards|access-date=2019-04-19|archive-date=April 19, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190419132317/https://www.directorsandboards.com/news/former-senator-ayotte-join-blackstone-group-board|url-status=dead}}

{{main|2024 New Hampshire gubernatorial election}}

After New Hampshire Governor Chris Sununu announced he would retire at the end of his term in 2024, Ayotte announced her candidacy for governor.{{Cite web|url=https://www.foxnews.com/politics/former-new-hampshire-sen-kelly-ayotte-launches-republican-bid-governor.amp|title=Former New Hampshire Sen. Kelly Ayotte launches Republican bid for governor | Fox News|website=www.foxnews.com}} Throughout the race, the election was considered a tossup, as neither Ayotte nor Democratic nominee Joyce Craig had a clear lead in polling. Ayotte won, 54% to 44%.

File:U.S. Senator Kelly Ayotte from New Hampshire speaking at the 2013 Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC).jpg (CPAC)]]

During her U.S. Senate term, Ayotte was described as both a conservative Republican and a centrist.{{cite web|title=Kelly Ayotte on the Issues|url=http://senate.ontheissues.org/Senate/Kelly_Ayotte.htm|url-status=dead|website=OnTheIssues|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231208130735/https://senate.ontheissues.org/Senate/Kelly_Ayotte.htm|archive-date=December 8, 2023|access-date=August 23, 2016}}{{cite web|title=Sen. Kelly Ayotte (R)|url=http://members-of-congress.insidegov.com/l/279/Kelly-Ayotte|website=InsideGov|publisher=insidegov.com|access-date=23 August 2016}}{{Dead link|date=December 2023 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}{{Cite news|url=https://www.theatlantic.com/politics/archive/2015/11/why-its-not-easy-being-kelly-ayotte/435297/|title=Why It's Not Easy Being Kelly Ayotte|last=Drusch|first=Andrea|date=2015-11-19|work=The Atlantic|access-date=2018-07-27|language=en-US}} After her 2010 election, the Associated Press called her "a conservative Republican",{{cite news|last1=Staff|title=New Hampshire election results 2010: Ayotte beats Hodes, Lynch secures governorship from Stephen|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2010/11/01/AR2010110105177.html|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121021220637/https://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2010/11/01/AR2010110105177.html|archive-date=October 21, 2012|access-date=August 24, 2016|newspaper=The Washington Post|date=November 1, 2010}} and two years later NBC News described her "unique identity in the Senate as a Northeastern conservative Republican woman."{{cite web|last1=Curry|first1=Tom|title=Searching for Benghazi answers, Ayotte rises to starring GOP role|url=https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/politics-news/searching-benghazi-answers-ayotte-rises-starring-gop-role-flna1c7594070|website=NBC News|date=December 13, 2012 |access-date=November 15, 2024}} She demonstrated centrist tendencies in her voting record and worked with Democrats on some issues.{{cite news|last1=Snell|first1=Kelsey|title=Ayotte is Party of One in her 2016 New Hampshire reelection bid|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/powerpost/wp/2015/11/09/ayotte-is-party-of-one-in-her-2016-new-hampshire-reelection-bid/|access-date=23 August 2016|newspaper=The Washington Post|issue=9 November 2015}}{{cite news|title=Why It's Not Easy Being Kelly Ayotte|url=https://www.nationaljournal.com/s/101041/why-its-not-easy-being-kelly-ayotte|access-date=February 18, 2016|magazine=National Journal}}{{cite news|last1=Cama|first1=Timothy|title=GOP climate activist gives $500K to senator's campaign|url=https://thehill.com/policy/energy-environment/246930-gop-climate-activist-gives-500k-to-senators-campaign/|access-date=February 18, 2016|work=The Hill|date=July 6, 2015}} The New York Times described her as a moderate Republican.{{Cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2016/03/29/us/politics/moderate-republican-senators-navigate-a-complex-course.html|title=Tough Re-election for G.O.P. Moderate Is Getting Tougher|work=The New York Times |date=March 28, 2016 |access-date=2018-07-27|language=en|last1=Steinhauer |first1=Jennifer }} The Lugar Center at Georgetown University ranked Ayotte as the 11th most bipartisan member of the U.S. Senate during the 113th Congress.{{cite web |url=http://www.thelugarcenter.org/ourwork-Bipartisan-Index.html |title = Our Work: The Lugar Center}} The American Conservative Union gave her a 64% lifetime score and the progressive Americans for Democratic Action gave her a 35% score; the nonpartisan National Journal gave her a composite score of 67% conservative and 33% liberal based on her voting record.

During her gubernatorial campaign, Ayotte expressed fiscally conservative positions, using the slogan "Don't Mass it up" to contrast her views "against more liberal Massachusetts to the south".{{Cite web |date=2024-11-05 |title=Republican ex-Sen. Kelly Ayotte beats Democrat Joyce Craig in New Hampshire governor's race |url=https://www.wbur.org/news/2024/11/05/new-hampshire-governor-ayotte-craig-win |access-date=2024-11-15 |website=www.wbur.org |language=en}}{{Cite web |date=2024-06-17 |title=Why is Massachusetts taking hits in the New Hampshire governor's race? |url=https://www.wbur.org/news/2024/06/17/new-hampshire-governor-race-kelly-ayotte-massachusetts-maura-healey-newsletter |access-date=2024-11-15 |website=www.wbur.org |language=en}} She called herself a "strong conservative" while adding she would continue Sununu's legacy.{{Cite web |date=2024-06-14 |title=On the trail: Ayotte fires back at Morse over conservative credentials |url=https://www.concordmonitor.com/On-the-Trail-by-Paul-Steinhauser-Chuck-Morse-Kelley-Ayotte-argue-over-conservative-credentials-55563453 |access-date=2024-11-15 |website=Concord Monitor |language=en}} Addressing voters after she was elected governor, she told those who did not vote for her that she was open to bipartisan cooperation.{{Cite web |date=2024-11-05 |title=Republican ex-Sen. Kelly Ayotte beats Democrat Joyce Craig in New Hampshire governor's race |url=https://apnews.com/article/new-hampshire-governor-election-2024-ayotte-craig-74985b040f72599fb3569bd363e84fa3 |access-date=2024-11-15 |website=AP News |language=en}}

Ayotte initially backed Donald Trump's 2016 presidential bid before rescinding her endorsement before the election. She endorsed Trump's 2024 presidential bid.{{Cite news|url=https://www.wmur.com/article/kelly-ayotte-donald-trump-governor-42624/60622083|title=Ayotte, who unendorsed Trump in 2016, now says he's right choice for White House|work=WMUR |date=April 26, 2024|access-date=2024-09-11|language=en|last1=Sexton |first1=Adam }}{{cite news |last1=Marquez |first1=Alexandra |title=A rising Republican lost her seat in the Trump era. Now she's trying a comeback. |url=https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/2024-election/rising-republican-lost-seat-trump-era-now-trying-comeback-rcna149787 |access-date=12 September 2024 |work=NBC News |date=4 May 2024 |language=en}}

Ayotte voted for the comprehensive immigration reform bill (the Border Security, Economic Opportunity, and Immigration Modernization Act of 2013) brought forward by the bipartisan Gang of Eight, calling it a "a thoughtful, bipartisan solution to a tough problem".Kevin Liptak, [https://web.archive.org/web/20130612015634/http://politicalticker.blogs.cnn.com/2013/06/09/ayotte-backs-gang-of-8-immigration-plan/ Ayotte backs 'Gang of 8' immigration plan], CNN, June 9, 2013.Jonathan Topaz, [http://www.politico.com/blogs/politico-now/2013/06/ayotte-endorses-immigration-bill-165757], Politico, June 9, 2013. In 2024, she retracted that support for a pathway to citizenship for immigrants.{{Cite news |last=Sexton |first=Adam |url=https://www.wmur.com/article/kelly-ayotte-donald-trump-governor-42624/60622083 |title=Ayotte, who unendorsed Trump in 2016, now says he's right choice for White House |date=April 26, 2024 |access-date=September 22, 2024 |work=WMUR}} She has been a vocal critic of the practice of sanctuary cities and voted to withhold federal funding from municipalities that refuse to cooperate with federal immigration officials.{{Cite news|url=http://www.wmur.com/article/ayotte-shaheen-on-opposite-sides-of-anti-sanctuary-cities-bill/5205042|title=Ayotte, Shaheen on opposite sides of anti-sanctuary cities bill|last=DiStaso|first=John|date=October 20, 2015|work=WMUR}} She also said in a debate that she supports a task force to patrol the U.S.-Canada border.{{Cite web |last=Enstrom |first=Kirk |date=2024-10-31 |title=Candidates for New Hampshire governor clash on abortion, homelessness, immigration |url=https://www.wmur.com/article/new-hampshire-debate-governor-103024/62767623 |access-date=2024-11-15 |website=WMUR |language=en}}

Ayotte did not support Hillary Clinton's proposal to bring an additional 65,000 Syrian refugees to the United States, unless stricter vetting was implemented to "guarantee to the American people that none of the individuals that are being brought to the United States have any connections to ISIS."{{Cite news|url=http://www.cbsnews.com/news/hillary-clinton-u-s-should-take-65000-syrian-refugees|title=Hillary Clinton: U.S. should take 65,000 Syrian refugees|last=Kaplan|first=Rebecca|date=September 20, 2015|work=CBS news}}

Ayotte opposes increasing the minimum wage,Love, Norma. (September 22, 2010) [https://web.archive.org/web/20121025124122/http://www.businessweek.com/ap/financialnews/D9ID3G4G0.htm NH senate candidates face off in radio forum], BusinessWeek.com; retrieved November 13, 2010. and opposes federal legislation to index the minimum wage to inflation to reflect adjustments in the cost of living.[http://www.nashuatelegraph.com/news/860423-196/hodes-ayotte-disagree-on-tax-cuts-spending.html "Foes Hodes, Ayotte face off in 1st debate"], Nashua Telegraph, September 23, 2010 She said she supports the current federal minimum wage but that "each state should decide what is best" when it comes to raising it.{{Cite news|url=http://www.wmur.com/article/minimum-wage-splits-candidates-along-party-lines/5214697|title=Minimum wage splits candidates along party lines|last=DiStaso|first=John|date=September 14, 2016|work=WMUR}}

In 2010, Ayotte said she was open to raising the Social Security retirement age for younger workers in an effort to avoid long-term insolvency, but does not support changes for people at or near retirement.{{Cite web|url=http://hosted.ap.org/dynamic/external/pre-election/bios/61040.html?SITE=KWWLTV&SECTION=POLITICS&TEMPLATE=DEFAULT|title=Candidate Guide|website=Pre-Election Bios|publisher=Associated Press|access-date=November 9, 2016}}

Ayotte opposed passage of the Employee Free Choice Act ("Card Check"), which would have amended the National Labor Relations Act to allow employees to unionize whenever the National Labor Relations Board verified that 50% of the employees had signed authorization cards, therefore bypassing a secret ballot election.{{cite news|last1=Vanderborg|first1=Carey|title=Who Is Kelly Ayotte? 10 Things To Know About Mitt Romney's Potential Running Mate|url=http://www.ibtimes.com/who-kelly-ayotte-10-things-know-about-mitt-romneys-potential-running-mate-693874|access-date=February 18, 2016|newspaper=International Business Times|date=April 30, 2012}}

In April 2014, the Senate debated the Paycheck Fairness Act. The bill would have punished employers for retaliating against workers who share wage information and put the justification burden on employers as to why someone is paid less while allowing workers to sue for punitive damages of wage discrimination.{{cite news|title=Senate GOP blocks paycheck bill|url=https://thehill.com/blogs/floor-action/senate/203064-senate-gop-blocks-paycheck-fairness-bill/|access-date=April 9, 2014|newspaper=The Hill|date=April 9, 2014|author=Ramsey Cox|author2=Alexander Bolton}} Ayotte said that one of her reasons for voting against ending debate on the bill was that Majority Leader Harry Reid had refused to allow votes on any of the amendments that Republicans had suggested for the bill. Ayotte offered her own equal pay bill, the Gender Advancement in Pay Act, which would implement New Hampshire's equal pay law at the federal level, but was "a little stronger in its anti-retaliation provision because it explicitly addresses written policies".

In April 2014, Ayotte voted to extend federal funding for unemployment benefits. Federal funding had been initiated in 2008 and expired at the end of 2013.{{cite news | newspaper = The Washington Post | url = https://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/post-politics/wp/2014/04/07/senate-passes-extension-to-unemployment-insurance-bill-heads-to-house/ | title = Senate passes extension to unemployment insurance, bill heads to House | first= Wesley | last = Lowery | access-date= July 21, 2015 | date = April 7, 2014}}

In March 2015, Ayotte voted for an amendment to establish a deficit-neutral reserve fund to allow employees to earn paid sick time.{{Cite news |title=Senate passes budget after lengthy, politically charged 'Vote-a-rama'|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/how-senators-are-using-vote-a-rama-to-score-political-points-for–2016/2015/03/26/0e8d3970-d3f6-11e4-ab77-9646eea6a4c7_story.html|date=March 27, 2015|newspaper=Washington Post|access-date=April 9, 2015|first=Sean |last=Sullivan}} She also offered a bill to give private-sector employers the statutory authority to offer optional flex-time.

Ayotte favors a balanced budget amendment to the U.S. Constitution.[http://info.nhpr.org/senator-kelly-ayotte-pushes-balanced-budget-amendment Senator Kelly Ayotte Pushes Balanced Budget Amendment] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160914185152/http://info.nhpr.org/senator-kelly-ayotte-pushes-balanced-budget-amendment |date=September 14, 2016 }}, New Hampshire Public Radio. She advocated for such an amendment as a member of the Senate Budget Committee.

In 2010, Ayotte criticized the 2008 bailouts, saying, "I wouldn't have supported the TARP or the bailouts... I do not think we should have bailed out the private sector."{{cite news|author=Deborah McDermott|title=Ayotte wants budget cuts|url=http://www.seacoastonline.com/article/20100930/NEWS/9300410|newspaper=Portsmouth Herald|date=September 30, 2010}}

Ayotte called for federal budget cuts to reduce the federal debt and deficits, proposing in 2010 that every government department cut its budget by 20 percent from current levels, though "some may cut more, some may cut less".

Ayotte favored the permanent repeal of the estate tax and has co-sponsored legislation to repeal the tax.[https://www.ayotte.senate.gov/?p=press_release&id=2583 On Tax Day, Ayotte Continues Fight for NH Taxpayers] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160911022614/https://www.ayotte.senate.gov/?p=press_release&id=2583 |date=September 11, 2016 }} (press release), Office of U.S. Senator Kelly Ayotte (April 15, 2016).[http://www.ayotte.senate.gov/?p=press_release&id=1426 Ayotte: Small Business Week Highlights Need for Action on Jobs] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160911021402/http://www.ayotte.senate.gov/?p=press_release&id=1426 |date=September 11, 2016 }} (press release), Office of U.S. Senator Kelly Ayotte (May 15, 2014).

During the standoff over increasing the national debt limit in 2011, Ayotte pushed for greater cuts in government spending and voted against the eventual deal.

Ayotte pushed to end congressional earmarks and cosponsored legislation to ban the practice.[http://www.unionleader.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20140508/NEWS06/140509045 Ayotte making push to end congressional earmarks] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160914000802/http://www.unionleader.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=%2F20140508%2FNEWS06%2F140509045 |date=September 14, 2016 }}, New Hampshire Union Leader (May 8, 2014).

Ayotte opposed the Dodd–Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act. She said that the legislation failed to directly address problems with Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac and imposed additional regulatory burdens on community banks.[http://www.concordmonitor.com/article/220036/senate-candidates-square-off?page=0,1 Senate candidates square off (pg. 2)], Concord Monitor; retrieved November 13, 2010.

In 2010, when asked about climate change, Ayotte acknowledged that "there is scientific evidence that demonstrates there is some impact from human activities" but added, "I don't think the evidence is conclusive."Rebecca Lebel, [https://newrepublic.com/article/120976/kelly-ayotte-looks-2016-election-environmental-votes Kelly Ayotte Is the Senate's Most Surprising Environmentalist], New Republic (February 5, 2015). She opposed both a cap-and-trade system and a carbon tax to reduce carbon emissions. In 2011, she voted to limit the EPA's ability to regulate greenhouse gas emissions.U.S. Senate Roll Call Votes 112th Congress – 1st Session, Vote Number 54, 2011-04-06. https://www.senate.gov/legislative/LIS/roll_call_lists/roll_call_vote_cfm.cfm?congress=112&session=1&vote=00054 In 2012, Ayotte voted with four other Republican senators to defeat a proposal to block the Environmental Protection Agency from promulgating the first federal standards regulating air pollution from power plants. In 2013, she voted for a point of order opposing a carbon tax or a fee on carbon emissions.U.S. Senate Roll Call Votes 113th Congress – 1st Session, Vote Number 59, 2013-03-22.

https://www.senate.gov/legislative/LIS/roll_call_lists/roll_call_vote_cfm.cfm?congress=113&session=1&vote=00059

Ayotte was one of two Republican senators to vote against a Republican measure introduced by Roy Blunt that sought to block President Obama from negotiating an international agreement on climate change. She voted to fast-track approval for the Keystone XL pipeline project.

In October 2015, Ayotte became the first congressional Republican to endorse a measure by President Obama dubbed the Clean Power Plan, which would seek a 32 percent cut in the power sector's carbon emissions.{{cite news|last1=Snell|first1=Kelsey|title=Ayotte is Party of One in her 2016 New Hampshire reelection bid|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/powerpost/wp/2015/11/09/ayotte-is-party-of-one-in-her-2016-new-hampshire-reelection-bid/|access-date=February 18, 2016|newspaper=Washington Post|date=November 9, 2015}}{{cite news|last1=Sheppard|first1=Kate|title=Meet the Republican Senator Who Wants to Fight Global Warming|url=https://www.motherjones.com/environment/2015/10/kelly-ayotte-clean-power-plan-climate-change|access-date=February 18, 2016|magazine=Mother Jones|date=October 27, 2015}}{{cite web|author=Timothy Cama|url=https://thehill.com/policy/energy-environment/258058-vulnerable-gop-senator-backs-obamas-climate-rule/|title=Vulnerable GOP senator backs Obama's climate rule|work=The Hill|date=October 26, 2015|access-date=October 26, 2015}} That same year she was one of five Republican senators to vote to pass a non-binding amendment stating that "climate change is real and human activity significantly contributes to climate change."

Ayotte favored repealing the Affordable Care Act (Obamacare){{Cite news |date=2013 |title=Ayotte: O-Care repeal 'not going to happen' |url=https://thehill.com/policy/healthcare/189095-ayotte-o-care-repeal-not-going-to-happen/ |work=The Hill}} and repeatedly voted to repeal it.{{Cite news |date=2016 |title=New Hampshire's other smackdown |url=https://www.politico.com/story/2016/01/maggie-hassan-kelly-ayotte-new-hampshire-senate-2016-218190 |work=Politico}} She called the ACA a "success tax" on successful businesses{{Cite web |date=2012-08-29 |title=Remarks by New Hampshire Sen. Kelly Ayotte at the Republican National Convention |url=https://www.deseret.com/2012/8/28/20432372/remarks-by-new-hampshire-sen-kelly-ayotte-at-the-republican-national-convention/ |website=Deseret News |language=en}} and said it drove up the costs of healthcare.{{Cite web |date=2016-11-09 |title=Maggie Hassan Declares Victory Over Kelly Ayotte In New Hampshire Senate Race |url=https://www.huffpost.com/entry/maggie-hassan-new-hampshire-senate_n_5821e93ae4b0d9ce6fbeb8c9 |website=HuffPost |language=en}} In November 2013, amid growing concerns over the launch of HealthCare.gov, particularly relating to delays associated with initial online signups for health coverage, Ayotte called for a "time out" on the ACA, suggesting instead to "convene a group of bipartisan leaders to address healthcare concerns in this country because this is not working."{{cite news |last=Lambert |first=Lisa |date=November 3, 2013 |title=Kelly Ayotte Calls For Obamacare 'Time-Out' |url=https://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/11/03/kelly-ayotte-obamacare-_n_4209350.html |access-date=November 9, 2016 |work=The Huffington Post}}

Ayotte supported state-administered healthcare programs such as SCHIP and federal tax credits that serve to reduce the number of uninsured.{{cite web|url=http://www.unionleader.com/article.aspx?headline=Ayotte%2C+testing+political+waters%2C+wants+neutral+legacy&articleId=ba6a7763-e812-450f-9d45-a33b952d17cb|title=Ayotte testing political waters, wants neutral legacy|publisher=The Union Leader|date=September 28, 2009|author=John Distatso|access-date=October 3, 2009|archive-date=February 15, 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100215215634/http://unionleader.com/article.aspx?headline=Ayotte%2c+testing+political+waters%2c+wants+neutral+legacy&articleId=ba6a7763-e812-450f-9d45-a33b952d17cb|url-status=dead}}

Ayotte received the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention's Congressional Award in recognition of her support for increasing mental health resources.{{cite news|title=Senator Ayotte Recognized for Mental Health First Aid Act|url=http://wntk.com/wp_news/2014/03/03/senator-ayotte-recognized-for-mental-health-first-aid-act|publisher=WNTK|access-date=July 7, 2014|date=July 7, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140311092617/http://wntk.com/wp_news/2014/03/03/senator-ayotte-recognized-for-mental-health-first-aid-act/|archive-date=March 11, 2014|url-status=dead|df=mdy-all}}

Ayotte advocated passage of the Comprehensive Addiction and Recovery Act (CARA), which was intended to address opioid abuse. The bill would increase funding for treatment of addiction and allow nurses and physician assistants to treat substance use disorder with medication, which Ayotte said would increase the treatment options available.{{cite news|title=Ayotte: Opioid Bill Would Mean More And Better Treatment In N.H.|url=http://nhpr.org/post/ayotte-opioid-bill-would-mean-more-and-better-treatment-nh|publisher=NHPR|access-date=September 23, 2016|date=July 14, 2016}}

Ayotte joined all Senate Republicans in refusing to hold a hearing on the nomination of Judge Merrick Garland to the Supreme Court.Greg Sargent, [https://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/plum-line/wp/2016/04/21/democrats-may-be-winning-the-political-fight-over-merrick-garland-but-will-republicans-care/ Democrats may be winning the political fight over Merrick Garland. But will Republicans care?], Washington Post (April 21, 2016).Dan Tuohy, [http://www.unionleader.com/Ayotte-meets-with-Obamas-Supreme-Court-nominee Ayotte meets with Obama's Supreme Court nominee] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160914002530/http://www.unionleader.com/Ayotte-meets-with-Obamas-Supreme-Court-nominee |date=September 14, 2016 }}, New Hampshire Union Leader (April 13, 2016).

In 2024, Ayotte said she supported current New Hampshire abortion law, which permits abortion on request until 24 weeks of pregnancy.{{Cite AV media |url=https://www.wmur.com/article/closeup-kelly-ayotte-abortion-right/60491435 |title=Kelly Ayotte responds to unified attack on abortion issue {{!}} CloseUp |date=2024-04-14 |last=Sexton |first=Adam |language=en |access-date=2024-06-17 |via=www.wmur.com}} She said she would veto any legislation to restrict abortion during the first 24 weeks.{{Cite web |last=Sexton |first=Adam |date=2024-10-25 |title=Kelly Ayotte, Joyce Craig address stances on abortion issue as election nears |url=https://www.wmur.com/article/kelly-ayotte-joyce-craig-new-hampshire-abortion/62720839 |access-date=2024-11-15 |website=WMUR |language=en}} Previously, she said she was against abortion; except in cases of rape, incest, or danger to the life of the mother.{{cite web |author=Shira Schoenberg |date=August 12, 2009 |title=Ayotte stresses security |url=http://www.concordmonitor.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20090812/FRONTPAGE/908120375/1037/NEWS04 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090817070742/http://www.concordmonitor.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=%2F20090812%2FFRONTPAGE%2F908120375%2F1037%2FNEWS04 |archive-date=August 17, 2009 |publisher=Concord Monitor}} In 2010 she said that Roe v. Wade should be overturned.{{Cite web |date=2016-04-27 |title=Candidates woo voters at debate - NashuaTelegraph.com |url=https://www.nashuatelegraph.com/news/statenewengland/828948-227/candidates-woo-voters-at-debate.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160427231454/https://www.nashuatelegraph.com/news/statenewengland/828948-227/candidates-woo-voters-at-debate.html |archive-date=April 27, 2016 }}{{Cite news |date=2016 |title=Planned Parenthood aims at Ayotte |url=https://www.politico.com/story/2016/04/senate-ayotte-planned-parenthood-222121 |work=Politico}} In 2014, she led a Republican effort to call for a vote on a bill to implement a 20-week nationwide abortion ban.{{Cite news |date=2014 |title=GOP senators demand vote on banning abortions after 20 weeks |url=https://thehill.com/policy/healthcare/205478-gop-senators-demand-vote-on-banning-abortions-after-20-weeks/ |work=The Hill}} But in 2024, during her gubernatorial campaign, she reversed that position, saying she opposed federal restrictions on abortion. Ayotte said she supported access to in-vitro fertilization (IVF) treatment.{{Cite web |date=2024-10-24 |title=The New Hampshire governor's race gets personal on reproductive issues |url=https://www.wbur.org/news/2024/10/24/new-hampshire-governor-reproductive-health-kelly-ayotte-joyce-craig |access-date=2024-11-15 |website=www.wbur.org |language=en}} She opposes state funding for Planned Parenthood.{{Cite web |last=DeWitt |first=Ethan |date=2023-09-19 |title=Governor's race 2024: Here's where the four candidates stand on the issues • New Hampshire Bulletin |url=https://newhampshirebulletin.com/2023/09/19/governors-race-2024-heres-where-the-four-candidates-stand-on-the-issues/ |access-date=2024-11-15 |website=New Hampshire Bulletin |language=en-US}}

In the Senate, Ayotte offered legislation to make birth control available over-the-counter without a prescription, which she argued would increase access and allow flexible spending accounts and health savings accounts to be used to purchase it.{{Cite news|url=http://www.unionleader.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?avis=UL&date=20161003&category=NEWS0605&lopenr=161009793&Ref=AR&template=printart|title=Ayotte offers free condoms to promote bill|date=October 3, 2016|work=New Hampshire Union Leader|access-date=November 2, 2016|archive-date=November 4, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161104004511/http://www.unionleader.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?avis=UL&date=20161003&category=NEWS0605&lopenr=161009793&Ref=AR&template=printart|url-status=dead}} She voted to shift federal funding from Planned Parenthood to other community health centers that also serve low- and middle-income women and families, but opposed an attempt to shut down the federal government over the issue.{{cite news|last1=McMenemy|first1=Jeff|title=Hassan slams Ayotte on Planned Parenthood funding|url=http://www.seacoastonline.com/article/20151006/NEWS/151009489|access-date=March 8, 2016|newspaper=Portsmouth Herald|date=October 6, 2015}}{{cite news|last1=Dwyer|first1=Devin|title=New Hampshire GOP Senate Primary Tests Sarah Palin, Tea Party|url=https://abcnews.go.com/Politics/hampshire-gop-senate-primary-kelly-ayotte-hold-off/story?id=11586773|access-date=February 18, 2016|publisher=ABC News|date=September 13, 2010}} For 2016, Ayotte was given a 100% rating by National Right to Life and an 82% by the pro-life Campaign for Working Families.{{Cite web|url=https://votesmart.org/candidate/evaluations/42352/kelly-ayotte#.W0y8K9JKiUk|title=Kelly Ayotte's Ratings and Endorsements|website=votesmart.org}} For 2016, NARAL Pro-Choice America gave her a 15% rating and pro-choice Planned Parenthood gave her a 6% rating.

Ayotte opposes same-sex marriage as well as adoption by same-sex couples.{{cite web | url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1E7SFCkxwQ8 | title=Kelly Ayotte Said New Hampshire Vote to Support Same-Sex Marriage Was "Unfortunate" 6/5/10 | website=YouTube | date=June 11, 2024 }}{{cite web | url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ezaTohA3sxk | title=Kelly Ayotte NH GOP Senate Debate 9/9/2010 | website=YouTube | date=June 11, 2024 }} As New Hampshire's attorney general, she opposed requiring employers to provide benefits to same-sex couples, and sought to appeal a court ruling on the issue;{{cite web | url=https://www.insurancejournal.com/news/east/2006/05/07/68056.htm | title=N.H. Court Backs Gay Benefits for State Employees | date=May 6, 2006 }} the appeal was dropped after New Hampshire legalized civil unions.{{cite web | url=https://eu.seacoastonline.com/story/news/2007/05/08/state-drops-appeal-in-benefits/52905570007/ | title=State drops appeal in benefits case regarding same-sex partners }}

In 2010, Ayotte said of same-sex marriage: "Ultimately I do think this is a matter for the states and states should decide how to define marriage. New Hampshire's already made that decision and I respect the decision."{{cite news|last1=Sullivan|first1=Sean|title=Who will be the next Republican senator to embrace gay marriage?|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/the-fix/wp/2013/04/05/who-will-be-the-next-republican-senator-to-embrace-gay-marriage/|access-date=28 January 2016|newspaper=Washington Post|date=June 19, 2013}} In 2015, she was one of 11 U.S. Senate Republicans who voted to extend Social Security and veterans' benefits to all same-sex married couples.{{cite news|last1=Snow|first1=Justin|title=11 Senate Republicans vote to extend benefits to same-sex couples|url=http://www.metroweekly.com/2015/03/11-senate-republicans-vote-to-extend-benefits-to-same-sex-couples/|access-date=28 January 2016|publisher=Metro Weekly|date=March 27, 2015}} In November 2013, she was one of 10 Senate Republicans who voted in favor of the Employment Non-Discrimination Act,{{Cite web | url=https://www.senate.gov/legislative/LIS/roll_call_lists/roll_call_vote_cfm.cfm?congress=113&session=1&vote=00232 |title = U.S. Senate: U.S. Senate Roll Call Votes 113th Congress - 1st Session}} which passed by a vote of 64–32. Human Rights Campaign, which supports same-sex marriage and other gay rights, gave Ayotte an 80% rating.

Running for governor in 2024, Ayotte said she opposes laws that keep a student's gender identity confidential and supports laws requiring schools to inform parents about a student's gender identity at school.{{Cite AV media |url=https://www.wmur.com/article/chuck-morse-kelly-ayotte-debate-nh-student-genders/62049823 |title=2024 debate between NH GOP candidates for governor: Policy regarding students' gender statuses |date=2024-09-04 |last=Sexton |first=Adam |language=en |access-date=2024-11-15 |via=www.wmur.com}}

Ayotte voted to reauthorize the Violence Against Women Act in 2012.{{cite news|last=Bendery|first=Jennifer|title=Violence Against Women Act Reauthorization Overwhelmingly Passes Senate|url=https://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/04/26/violence-against-women-act-passes-senate_n_1456839.html|publisher=Huffington Post|date=April 26, 2012}} In 2014, she and Claire McCaskill led passage of a bill to reform the way the military handles sexual assaults, increase prosecutions, and improve support for survivors.{{Cite magazine|url=https://time.com/18355/mccaskill-set-to-win-the-battle-on-sexual-assault-in-the-military/|title=McCaskill Set to Win the Battle on Sexual Assault in the Military|last=Newton-Small|first=Jay|date=March 10, 2014|magazine=Time}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.pbs.org/newshour/bb/politics-july-dec13-military_08-01|title=Sens. McCaskill, Ayotte: Keep Military Sexual Assault Cases in Chain of Command|last=Brown|first=Jeffrey|date=August 1, 2013|website=PBS Newshour}} In 2015, she and Kirsten Gillibrand introduced the Campus Accountability and Safety Act to combat sexual assault on college campuses and better support survivors.{{Cite news|url=http://www.wmur.com/article/ayotte-pushes-for-passage-of-campus-sexual-assault-bill/5210469|title=Ayotte pushes for passage of campus sexual assault bill|last=DiStaso|first=John|date=April 22, 2016|work=WMUR}}

Ayotte supported the U.S. Supreme Court's decisions in McDonald v. City of Chicago and District of Columbia v. Heller, which invalidated strict gun laws in Chicago and Washington. In 2006, she opposed a Republican-backed bill to establish a castle doctrine for New Hampshire.{{cite news|last1=Berry|first1=Jake|title=New Hampshire Sens. Ayotte and Shaheen non-specific about their stance on gun control|url=http://www.nashuatelegraph.com/news/statenewengland/988111-471/new-hampshire-sens.-ayotte-and-shaheen-non-specific.html|access-date=February 18, 2016|publisher=Nashua Telegraph}}

In 2013, Ayotte opposed legislation offered by Joe Manchin and Pat Toomey to mandate background checks for all commercial gun sales.{{cite news|last=Welna|first=David|title=Gun Background Vote Causes Heat At Home For N.H. Sen. Ayotte|url=https://www.npr.org/2013/05/03/180755030/gun-background-check-vote-causes-heat-at-home-for-n-h-rep-ayotte|access-date=May 6, 2013|publisher=NPR|date=May 3, 2013}} As part of the debate over Manchin-Toomey, Ayotte voted for an amendment that would have increased access to mental health records for background checks and provided funding to prosecute background check violations. The amendment did not pass.{{cite news|last=Morris|first=Allie|title=Maggie Hassan says Kelly Ayotte voted against expanding gun background checks, twice |url=http://www.politifact.com/new-hampshire/statements/2016/jun/21/maggie-hassan/challenger-maggie-hassan-says-kelly-ayotte-voted-a/|access-date=August 30, 2016|work=PolitiFact|date=June 21, 2016}}

In June 2016, Ayotte voted against an amendment offered by Chris Murphy that would have required background checks for gun sales at gun shows, over the internet, and between friends and family. She voted for an amendment to increase funding for the background check system and enhance the definition of "mental competency" for purchasing firearms. She also voted for two amendments to block or delay the sale of firearms to known or suspected terrorists. All four amendments failed.

In the Senate, Ayotte supported proposed compromises on contentious gun legislation. She was part of a bipartisan group of eight senators who supported compromise legislation to close the "No Fly, No Buy" loophole and ensure people on the No Fly list could not purchase firearms.{{Cite news|url=http://nhpr.org/post/ayotte-supports-no-fly-no-buy-gun-bill|title=Ayotte Supports 'No Fly, No Buy' Gun Bill|last=Rogers|first=Josh|date=June 20, 2016|publisher=New Hampshire Public Radio}}{{Cite news|url=http://www.nydailynews.com/news/politics/senate-works-compromise-no-fly-no-buy-gun-control-article-1.2682169|title=Senate works toward compromise on 'no fly, no buy' gun-control measure|last=Joseph|first=Cameron|date=June 21, 2016|work=New York Daily News}}{{Cite news|url=http://www.concordmonitor.com/Kelly-Ayotte-votes-on-gun-legislation-2957080|title=As Kelly Ayotte supports gun ban for no-fly list, Democrats accuse her of political maneuvering|last=Morris|first=Allie|date=June 21, 2016|work=Concord Monitor}}

File:U.S. Senator Kelly Ayotte speaking at the 2016 FITN (First in the Nation) Town Hall hosted by the New Hampshire Republican Party.jpg

Ayotte chaired the Senate Armed Services Readiness Subcommittee and was a leading voice in the hawkish wing of the Senate Republican Conference.{{Cite news|url=http://www.unionleader.com/War/Sen-Ayotte-outlines-her-plan-to-defeat-ISIS-07112016|title=Sen. Ayotte outlines her plan to defeat ISIS|last=Houghton|first=Kimberly|date=July 11, 2016|work=New Hampshire Union Leader|access-date=November 2, 2016|archive-date=November 4, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161104003809/http://www.unionleader.com/War/Sen-Ayotte-outlines-her-plan-to-defeat-ISIS-07112016|url-status=dead}}{{Cite news|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/right-turn/wp/2016/03/20/distinguished-pols-of-the-week-18/|title=Distinguished pols of the week|last=Rubin|first=Jennifer|date=March 20, 2016|newspaper=Washington Post}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/the-u-s-senate-takes-on-iran-1458605304?cb=logged0.9312321852042944|title=The U.S. Senate Takes on Iran|date=March 21, 2016|website=The Wall Street Journal}}{{Cite web|url=http://www.nh1.com/news/first-on-nh1-news-new-ayotte-video-slams-hassan-over-lack-of-straight-answers-/|title=First on NH1 News: Video slams Hassan over lack of 'straight answers'|last=Steinhauser|first=Paul|date=May 23, 2016|publisher=NH1 News}}{{Cite news|url=http://www.concordmonitor.com/Politics/State-House/Maggie-Hassan-foreign-policy-advisors-1496688|title=On foreign policy, Hassan and Ayotte jostle for authority|last=Morris|first=Allie|date=April 17, 2016|work=Concord Monitor}} She opposed the Iran nuclear deal and called for strict new sanctions on Iran. Ayotte also backed new sanctions on North Korea in the wake of purported nuclear tests and called for a tougher stance on Russia.{{Cite news|url=https://thehill.com/blogs/floor-action/senate/264991-senators-eye-sanctions-after-north-korea-test/|title=Senators eye sanctions after North Korea's claimed nuclear test|last=Carney|first=Jordain|date=January 6, 2016|work=The Hill}}{{Cite news|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/post-politics/wp/2014/02/23/ayotte-says-russia-reset-has-failed/?resType=accessibility&nid=menu_nav_accessibilityforscreenreader|title=Ayotte says Russia reset has failed|last=Hicks|first=Josh|date=February 23, 2014|newspaper=Washington Post}}

In October 2014, Ayotte wrote an op-ed in The Hill criticizing Mahmoud Abbas, writing that the Palestinian Authority president "has embarked on a destructive course harmful to the prospects for rebuilding Gaza and achieving Israeli–Palestinian peace."Kelly Ayotte, [https://thehill.com/opinion/op-ed/220407-abbas-and-the-path-to-peace/ Abbas and the path to peace], The Hill (October 2014).

In October 2011, Ayotte cosponsored a bill with John McCain to control costs associated with major defense acquisition programs.Almanac of American Politics 2014, p. 1060. She opposed the Defense Department's wish to retire the U.S.'s fleet of Cold War-era A-10 Thunderbolt II jets and redirect those funds elsewhere, arguing that there was no adequate replacement for the plane and citing her husband's experiences flying the A-10 while in the Air Force.Bryan Bender, [https://www.bostonglobe.com/news/nation/2014/10/23/senator-kelly-ayotte-has-personal-reason-for-keeping-plane-pentagon-wants-kill/z6zV7BEB9p9JkuaTkHOa2L/story.html Kelly Ayotte thwarting effort to retire old Air Force jet], Boston Globe (July 31, 2012).

Ayotte criticized President Obama for withdrawing U.S. troops from Iraq in 2011.Allie Morris, [http://www.concordmonitor.com/Kelly-Ayotte-makes-national-security-speech-3378525 Kelly Ayotte calls for increased airstrikes against ISIS], Concord Monitor (July 11, 2016).

In July 2016, Ayotte released a comprehensive plan to defeat ISIS, including a "more aggressive" campaign of U.S. airstrikes against ISIS in Iraq and Syria.

Ayotte fought attempts by the Obama administration to try terrorism suspects in civilian federal courts. She opposed the closure of the Guantanamo Bay detention camp and introduced a bill in the Senate that would block its closure and ban any transfer of detainees to the United States.{{Cite web|url=https://riponadvance.com/stories/ayotte-report-details-terrorist-activities-affiliations-guantanamo-bay-detainees|title=Ayotte report details terrorist activities, affiliations of Guantanamo Bay detainees|date=2016-08-15|website=Ripon Advance|access-date=2016-08-23}}

Ayotte criticized the August 2015 transfer of 15 prisoners from the Guantanamo Bay detention camp to the United Arab Emirates (UAE), saying she believed the released prisoners had dangerous ties to terrorism and would resume terrorist activity. She said that the Pentagon told her in 2015 that 93 percent of the detainees in Guantanamo Bay were considered "high risk" for returning to terrorist activities.{{Cite press release|url=https://www.ayotte.senate.gov/?p=press_release&id=2763|title=Ayotte: Gitmo Detainees Have Dangerous Terrorist Ties|date=August 15, 2016|publisher=Office of U.S. Senator Kelly Ayotte|access-date=August 23, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161109034519/http://www.ayotte.senate.gov/?p=press_release&id=2763|archive-date=November 9, 2016|url-status=dead|df=mdy-all}}Deb Riechmann, [http://bigstory.ap.org/article/e03ab567e15e4306909b039c7a856a5a/report-offers-details-about-guantanamo-detainees-way-out New report will fuel debate over closing Guantanamo prison] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160813094120/http://bigstory.ap.org/article/e03ab567e15e4306909b039c7a856a5a/report-offers-details-about-guantanamo-detainees-way-out |date=August 13, 2016 }}, Associated Press (August 10, 2016).

Ayotte authored and released an unclassified report that summarized information about the 107 original detainees at Guantanamo Bay, including the detainees' affiliations and terrorist activities before their detention. She pushed for the Pentagon to publicly disclose more details about the detainees; the Pentagon currently releases only detainees' names and countries where they are transferred.

In 2001, Ayotte married Joseph Daley, an Iraq War veteran and former A-10 pilot who flew combat missions in Iraq.{{cite news|last1=Bender|first1=Bryan|title=Kelly Ayotte thwarting effort to retire old Air Force jet|url=https://www.bostonglobe.com/news/nation/2014/10/23/senator-kelly-ayotte-has-personal-reason-for-keeping-plane-pentagon-wants-kill/z6zV7BEB9p9JkuaTkHOa2L/story.html|access-date=February 18, 2016|publisher=Boston Globe|date=October 23, 2014}} Daley is retired from the Air National Guard and owns a small landscaping and snow plow business in Merrimack.{{Cite news|url=http://www.wmur.com/article/ayotte-says-she-s-an-independent-problem-solver-ready-to-work-with-new-president/5213987|title=Ayotte says she's an independent problem-solver, ready to work with new president|last=DiStaso|first=John|date=August 12, 2016|work=WMUR}} Ayotte is Catholic.{{Cite web|url=https://www.pewresearch.org/religion/2015/01/05/members-of-congress-religious-affiliations/|title=Members of Congress: Religious Affiliations|first=Benjamin|last=Wormald|date=January 5, 2015}} She and Daley have two children.{{cite news|last1=Kim|first1=Mallie Jane|title=10 Things You Didn't Know About Kelly Ayotte|url=https://www.usnews.com/news/articles/2010/09/27/10-things-you-didnt-know-about-kelly-ayotte|access-date=February 18, 2016|publisher=U.S. News & World Report|date=September 27, 2010}}

• List of female state attorneys general in the United States
• Women in the United States Senate

{{reflist}}

{{commons category|Kelly Ayotte}}

• {{CongLinks | congbio=A000368 | votesmart=42352 | fec=S0NH00235 | congress=kelly-ayotte/2075 }}
• {{ballotpedia|Kelly_Ayotte|Kelly Ayotte}}
• {{C-SPAN|95241}}

{{s-start}}

{{s-legal}}

{{s-bef|before=Peter Heed}}

{{s-ttl|title=Attorney General of New Hampshire|years=2004–2009}}

{{s-aft|after=Mike Delaney}}

|-

{{s-ppo}}

{{s-bef|before=Judd Gregg}}

{{s-ttl|title=Republican nominee for U.S. Senator from New Hampshire
(Class 3)|years=2010, 2016}}

{{s-aft|after=Don Bolduc}}

|-

{{s-bef|before=Chris Sununu}}

{{s-ttl|title=Republican nominee for Governor of New Hampshire|years=2024}}

{{s-inc|recent}}

|-

{{s-par|us-sen}}

{{s-bef|before=Judd Gregg}}

{{s-ttl|title=United States Senator (Class 3) from New Hampshire|years=2011–2017|alongside=Jeanne Shaheen}}

{{s-aft|after=Maggie Hassan}}

|-

{{s-off}}

{{s-bef|before=Chris Sununu}}

{{s-ttl|title=Governor of New Hampshire|years=2025–present}}

{{s-inc}}

|-

{{s-prec|usa}}

{{s-bef|rows=2|before={{Incumbent VPOTUS}}|as=Vice President}}

{{s-ttl|rows=2|title=Order of precedence of the United States|years=Within New Hampshire}}

{{s-aft|after=Mayor of city
in which event is held}}

|-

{{s-aft|after=Otherwise Mike Johnson|as=Speaker of the House}}

|-

{{s-bef|before=Henry McMaster|as=Governor of South Carolina}}

{{s-ttl|title=Order of precedence of the United States|years=Outside New Hampshire}}

{{s-aft|after=Glenn Youngkin|as=Governor of Virginia}}

{{s-end}}

{{Current New Hampshire statewide political officials}}

{{Current U.S. governors}}

{{Governors of New Hampshire}}

{{USSenNH}}

{{USCongRep-start |congresses=112th–114th United States Congresses |state=New Hampshire}}

{{USCongRep/NH/112}}

{{USCongRep/NH/113}}

{{USCongRep/NH/114}}

{{USCongRep-end}}

{{Authority control}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Ayotte, Kelly}}

Category:1968 births

Category:Living people

Category:21st-century American women politicians

Category:21st-century Roman Catholics

Category:21st-century United States senators

Category:American people of French-Canadian descent

Category:American women lawyers

Category:Catholics from New Hampshire

Category:Female United States senators

Category:New Hampshire attorneys general

Category:New Hampshire independents

Category:New Hampshire Republicans

Category:Pennsylvania State University alumni

Category:Politicians from Nashua, New Hampshire

Category:Republican Party governors of New Hampshire

Category:Republican Party United States senators from New Hampshire

Category:Villanova University School of Law alumni

Category:Women in New Hampshire politics

Category:Women state governors of the United States