With the New Hampshire GOP’s unexpectedly strong showing behind him, state party chair Chris Ager announced Monday he’s not seeking a second two-year term in the job.

“I have decided not to seek another term as NHGOP Chairman,” Ager said. “I am pursuing other opportunities to help the party and I will definitely stay involved.”

Ager won the job two years ago over the opposition of Gov. Chris Sununu and many in the state GOP establishment. It was a repeat of his performance defeating incumbent Steve Duprey for the post of Republican National Committeeman in 2020.

There was nothing but praise for Ager from Granite State politicos after his announcement.

“The New Hampshire Republican Party is stronger today thanks to the leadership of Chris Ager. We’ve flipped the State House red, delivered on Republican priorities, and strengthened the New Hampshire Advantage,” Sununu said in a statement. “Well done, Chairman Ager!”

One of Ager’s priorities was helping elect Manchester’s first Republican mayor since 2014, and he put the state party’s resources behind the candidacy of Jay Ruais. It paid off when Ruais defeated outgoing Mayor Joyce Craig’s handpicked successor in 2023. That, in turn, helped Republican Kelly Ayotte carry Manchester in her nine-point trouncing of Craig in the race for governor.

“I want to thank Chairman Ager for his leadership of the NHGOP over his tenure and for his efforts in supporting our campaign for mayor last year,” Ruais said. “His tenure has been extraordinary as reflected in our increased margins at the State House as well as Gov.-elect Ayotte’s victory this fall. Being chairman can be a tough and thankless job at times. Through it all, Chris kept his focus and delivered.”