Poll: Maura Healey Leads New England Governors in Approval

The finish line is in sight, and we will soon know how voters really feel about New England's governors.

None of the region's governors are exactly at rock-star status at this point, according to the latest University of New Hampshire/Boston Globe survey released in late September.

Out of six governors, only three have an approval rating of 50 percent or higher. Rhode Island's Dan McKee, who was knocked out of the race in the September primary, has an approval rating of just 15 percent.

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Massachusetts and New Hampshire Lead Approval Rankings

Democrat Maura Healey, a one-term incumbent governor of Massachusetts, has the highest approval rating of the six, 52 percent, with a 47 percent disapproval rating. Only one percent were undecided or didn't know. That's not much wiggle room.

Massachusetts Gov. Maura Healey Is The Most Popular New England Governor — Getty Images

Healey faces a challenge from Republican Mike Minogue, who according to most polls trails Healey. Those surveys were conducted before the highly anticipated gubernatorial debates, however.

The second most popular governor in New England is New Hampshire Republican Kelly Ayotte, who enjoys a 51 percent approval rating versus a 44 percent disapproval rating. Five percent were undecided or didn't know.

Ayotte is reported to be leading Democratic challenger Cinde Warmington by nine points, according to a WCAX poll published on October 7, 2026.

Mid-Pack Contenders: Lamont and Scott Face Tight Race Margins

Next is Connecticut's Democratic Governor Ned Lamont with a 50 percent approval rating and a 45 percent disapproval rating. Five percent are unsure or don't know. Lamont faces Republican challenger State Sen. Ryan Fazio in November. A recent Quinnipiac Poll puts Lamont ahead by 17 points.

Vermont's Republican Governor Phil Scott has a 47 percent approval rating and a 47 percent disapproval rating, with six percent undecided or don't know. Scott faces Democrat Amanda Kanoo in November. Three minor party challengers are also on the ballot. VTDigger reported one poll puts Scott up by nine points while another shows him trailing by six.

Low Approval Ratings and Open Races in Maine and Rhode Island

Maine's Democratic Governor Janet Mills has only 41 percent approval and 57 percent disapproval according to the UNH poll. Mills is not on the ballot for reelection. The field includes Democrat Hanna Pingree, Republican Bobby Charles, Independent Richard Bennett, and two write-in candidates.

According to a recent Marist Poll, Pingree leads Charles by 12 points.

Rhode Island's Dan McKee, as we mentioned, has a 15 percent approval rating in the UNH poll and a disapproval rating of 83 percent. Just two percent are unsure or don't know. Like Mills, McKee does not stand for reelection.

The UNH poll found Democrat Helena Foulkes has a commanding 44 percent in the race for Rhode Island governor. Independent Ken Block has 25 percent, and Republican Aaron Guckian has 17 percent, with 10 percent undecided.