35 Facts About Kelly Ayotte

Early Life and Education

Kelly Ayotte's journey began in Nashua, New Hampshire. Her early years and academic pursuits laid the foundation for her future in law and politics.

1. Kelly Ayotte was born on June 27, 1968, in Nashua, New Hampshire.
2. Her parents are Kathleen M. (née Sullivan) and Marc Frederick Ayotte.
3. Ayotte's father's family is of French-Canadian descent.
4. She attended Nashua High School.
5. Graduated with honors from Pennsylvania State University in 1990 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in political science.
6. During her time at Penn State, she was initiated into the Delta Gamma sorority.
7. In 1993, she received a Juris Doctor degree from Villanova University School of Law.
8. At Villanova, she served as editor of the Environmental Law Journal.

Career in Law

Ayotte's legal career began with a clerkship and quickly progressed to significant roles in New Hampshire's legal system.

9. After law school, Ayotte clerked for Sherman D. Horton, an associate justice of the New Hampshire Supreme Court.
10. From 1994 to 1998, she worked as an associate at McLane, Graf, Raulerson & Middleton, a prominent law firm in Manchester, New Hampshire.
11. In 1998, she joined the office of the New Hampshire Attorney General as a prosecutor.
12. Ayotte served as the chief of the Homicide Prosecution Unit, making her New Hampshire's top murder prosecutor.
13. She also worked as Deputy Attorney General before being appointed to the top position.

Marriage and Family

Balancing a demanding career with family life, Ayotte's personal life is as noteworthy as her professional achievements.

14. In 2001, Ayotte married Joseph Daley, a pilot in the National Guard.
15. The couple has two children, Katherine and Jacob.
16. Ayotte became the first and only woman to serve as New Hampshire's Attorney General while raising her children.

Appointment as Attorney General

Ayotte's appointment as Attorney General marked a significant milestone in her career and in New Hampshire's history.

17. In June 2004, Governor Craig Benson appointed Ayotte as the Attorney General of New Hampshire.
18. This appointment made her the first woman to hold this position in the state.
19. She was twice reappointed by Democratic Governor John Lynch, demonstrating her bipartisan appeal and effectiveness in the role.

Legislative Efforts

Ayotte's tenure as Attorney General and later as a U.S. Senator was marked by significant legislative efforts.

20. She helped include provisions in the Every Student Succeeds Act to boost STEM education, particularly among girls and underrepresented minorities.
21. Ayotte strongly opposed the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's proposal to pass significant at-sea monitoring costs to New Hampshire's fishermen.
22. Her advocacy led to NOAA backing off from the proposal.

National Security

Ayotte's commitment to national security was a defining aspect of her career.

23. She served on the Senate Armed Services and Homeland Security Committees.
24. Ayotte led legislative efforts to keep suspected terrorists at Guantanamo Bay rather than closing the base and transferring them to U.S. soil.
25. She was an outspoken critic of the Iran nuclear deal, proposing strict new sanctions on Iran.

Criticism of Obama Administration

Ayotte did not shy away from criticizing the Obama administration when she felt it was necessary.

26. She was critical of the Obama administration's response to ISIS, calling for increased airstrikes against the terrorist organization.

Bipartisan Approach

Despite being a Republican, Ayotte was known for her ability to work across party lines.

27. She was ranked as one of the most bipartisan senators, working across party lines to find solutions to the nation's biggest challenges.

Senate Tenure

Ayotte's time in the U.S. Senate was marked by leadership roles and significant contributions.

28. Ayotte was elected to the U.S. Senate in 2010, succeeding Judd Gregg.
29. She served from January 3, 2011, to January 3, 2017.
30. During her tenure, she chaired the Armed Services Subcommittee on Readiness and the Commerce Subcommittee on Aviation Operations.

Leadership Roles

Ayotte's leadership extended beyond her Senate tenure.

31. She played a significant role in strengthening military readiness and supporting service men and women.
32. Ayotte was named by Foreign Policy magazine as one of the top 50 Republicans on national security affairs in the country.

Environmental Legislation

Ayotte's stance on environmental issues was nuanced and sometimes surprising for a conservative.

33. Despite her conservative leanings, Ayotte often supported environmental legislation.
34. She expressed skepticism about climate change but recognized the importance of environmental protection.

Current Activities

Ayotte continues to be active in public service and governance.

35. Currently, Ayotte is a candidate for New Hampshire's 2024 gubernatorial election.

Kelly Ayotte's Legacy

Kelly Ayotte's career is a testament to her dedication to public service and justice. From her early days as a law clerk to becoming New Hampshire's first female Attorney General, she broke barriers and set new standards. Her tenure in the U.S. Senate showcased her bipartisan approach, especially on national security and education. Ayotte's efforts in addressing the opioid crisis and supporting STEM education highlight her commitment to critical issues. Even after leaving the Senate, she remains active, running for New Hampshire's 2024 gubernatorial election. Her roles on various boards reflect her ongoing dedication to veterans and international democracy. Ayotte's journey is marked by resilience, leadership, and a relentless drive to make a difference. Her story continues to inspire many, proving that with determination and hard work, significant impact is possible.