New Hampshire Governor Chris Sununu is putting his stamp on the race to succeed him in the State House.

The veteran politician will step down from office at the end of the year and offer his support to former Senator Kelly Ayotte, a party colleague who previously served as the state’s attorney general.

“What you really want in a leader is someone who is approachable, who spends time talking to people and listening to what’s going on,” Sununu said.

“I am very pleased with his support and look forward to gaining people’s support in September and November,” Ayotte said.

The campaign focuses on crime, immigration and the fentanyl crisis, using a slogan that mocks the Granite State’s southern neighbor. Ayotte signs along roads throughout New Hampshire read “Don’t Mass up NH.”

“It’s a contrast to some of the policies in Massachusetts,” Ayotte said. “It’s more about New Hampshire pride. I’m very proud of this state and I want to see New Hampshire continue to move in a good direction.”

Ayotte’s rival in the Republican primary is former New Hampshire Senate President Chuck Morse, who focuses on Second Amendment rights, gender issues and lowering energy costs.

Morse also quickly sets his sights on Ayotte and Sununu.

“He stood up to Donald Trump and took all of us conservatives to task when he stood up to him. Kelly Ayotte did the same thing in 2016,” Morse said.

Meanwhile, analysts on the Democratic side see two strong candidates in Cinde Warmington and Joyce Craig.

“They’re both tough, they’re both eloquent, they’re both successful campaigners,” said political analyst Scott Spradling. “It’s going to be an exciting finish.”

Voters will go to the polls for the primary election on September 10. The general election will take place on November 5.