Cinde Warmington clinched the Democratic nomination in New Hampshire’s gubernatorial primary after running unopposed. This marks her second bid for the state’s highest office.
Warmington has faced criticism due to her past legal work with Purdue Pharma. The Republican Governors Association (RGA) has labeled her involvement with the company, known for its controversial marketing of OxyContin, as disqualifying.
Former Executive Councilor Warmington has launched her second campaign for governor in New Hampshire, a key swing state in the northern New England region. The RGA issued a statement condemning her previous role, saying, “Based on her role in fueling the opioid epidemic and calling OxyContin a ‘miracle drug,’ Cinde Warmington is completely disqualified from being governor.”
Purdue Pharma faced widespread criticism and legal actions for promoting OxyContin as non-addictive while hiding its abuse potential. The company ultimately settled for $7.4 billion in May, addressing years of legal challenges.
Warmington has responded to the critiques, stating her association with Purdue was limited. In a video titled “Setting the Record Straight,” she shared personal insights, “My dad, who I loved very much, struggled with addiction. We did not escape the opioid crisis.” She clarified her role as an attorney in 2001, focusing on patient healthcare access, unaware of Purdue’s ongoing fraud until years later.
Her political history includes serving on the New Hampshire Executive Council for the 2nd district from 2021 to 2025. She previously ran for governor in 2024, losing to Joyce Craig, who was defeated by the Republican Kelly Ayotte.
In her 2026 campaign, Warmington highlights her dedication to tackling the rising costs of living. She criticizes Republicans for their insufficient efforts on affordability, “The prices of houses, groceries, electricity, and property taxes are crushing working families. And Kelly Ayotte is making your life more expensive. I know we can do better,” she stated.
Her platform resonates with other Democrats, emphasizing immigration reforms, data center construction regulations, and preventing housing acquisitions by investor groups. She also appeals to cross-party voters with promises to reduce taxes, “I’ll make sure we don’t have a sales or income tax,” she pledged.
With the party nomination secured, Warmington is set to compete against Governor Ayotte in the general election on November 3.