KEENE, N.H. (MyKeeneNow) Democratic gubernatorial candidate Cinde Warmington addressed taxes, education funding, energy policy and judicial accountability during a Friday morning appearance on WKBK Radio’s Good Morning with Dan Mitchell Open Mic program, making her case to New Hampshire voters ahead of the Nov. 3 election.

Warmington, who is challenging Republican Gov. Kelly Ayotte, said the election will come down to affordability and whether state leadership is helping residents manage the rising costs of everyday life.

“Everything is through the roof. Kelly Ayotte makes it worse every single day,” Warmington said, criticizing the incumbent’s approach to the state’s economic challenges.

Warmington Rejects Sales and Income Tax Claims

Warmington pushed back against claims that she would support a state sales or income tax, emphasizing that she has pledged not to pursue either.

“I have never been for a sales or income tax. I have taken the pledge. I have said it over and over and over again,” she said.

She also disputed suggestions that her energy policies would eliminate heating oil and propane. Instead, Warmington said New Hampshire should prioritize renewable energy, improve energy efficiency and reduce its dependence on fossil fuels.

Addressing property taxes, she proposed ending the state’s Education Freedom Account program and reversing healthcare cuts. She argued that such policies can shift financial burdens onto local taxpayers and municipalities, contributing to higher property taxes.

Warmington also cited endorsements from former President Barack Obama and former Vice President Kamala Harris, describing their support as an honor.

Public Education and Judicial Independence

Education was another major focus of the interview. Warmington defended public schools and criticized Ayotte’s position on education funding, along with the state’s efforts to overturn the New Hampshire Supreme Court’s Claremont decisions, which established constitutional obligations related to the state’s responsibility to fund public education.

“I believe that every single kid deserves their shot at the future with a great public education,” Warmington said.

She also called for greater accountability within the state judiciary, addressing an investigation involving conduct connected to the resignation of the New Hampshire Supreme Court’s chief justice.

Warmington said three justices who acknowledged involvement in conduct related to the chief justice’s departure should step aside while the investigation proceeds. She also urged the governor to request an update on the investigation’s status from the judicial conduct committee.

“Those justices should be stepping aside while an investigation continues into their potential misconduct,” she said.

Her comments underscored her position that the state Supreme Court must remain independent of political influence while allegations involving members of the judiciary are examined.

Campaign Centers on Affordability

Throughout the appearance, Warmington returned to the cost of living as a central issue in her campaign. She pointed to housing, health care, groceries, energy, rent and property taxes as expenses weighing on New Hampshire households.

She urged voters to consider those costs when choosing the state’s next governor and presented her candidacy as an alternative to Ayotte’s administration.

“It’s time for a change. I’m here to deliver the change,” Warmington said in her closing appeal.

Following the interview, host Dan Mitchell turned to upcoming program discussions about ballot questions, including a proposed tax cap and how such a measure could affect communities that share regional school systems.

Listen to the full interview: