Meredith, n.h.
Forrester is entering a crowded Republican field that includes Manchester Mayor Ted Gatsas, Newfields Executive Councilor Chris Sununu and Wilton state Rep. Frank Edelblut.
Making the official announcement Wednesday night at the Wicwas Lake Grange in Meredith, Forrester said she was running to champion the state’s small communities and small businesses.
“I am a firm believer that all politics really is local,” Forrester said, pointing to her experience as a small-business owner and town administrator in Tuftonboro and New Durham.
“I have strong convictions and Main Street values,” she continued. “When I ran for the Senate, it was to be a voice for our communities, and I’m proud to say that’s exactly what I’ve buen.”
Forrester chairs the Senate Finance Committee, which helps craft the state’s two-year budget. She was elected to the Senate in 2010 to represent a district that includes Meredith, Center Harbor, Groton, Holderness and New Hampton.
In her announcement speech, Forrester talked about her belief in limited government.
As governor, she said, she would oppose a sales or income tax, continue to support the Second Amendment and advocate for anti-abortion issues.
She also spoke about affordable energy and the state’s heroin and opioid crisis.
Forrester said she’s been aware of the problem with drugs for a long time, having previously worked at a residential treatment home for teens struggling with addiction.
“During those days I saw the pain in their eyes and the emptiness in their hearts as they tried to get their life back on course before it was too late,” Forrester said. “I realized then the seriousness of addition, and I knew then that our state needed to do more.”
She criticized Gov. Maggie Hassan, accusing her of trying to “steal millions of dollars from the nursing homes to balance her budget.”
Hassan, a Democrat, is running for the U.S. Senate seat held by Republican Kelly Ayotte.