Former defense industry executive Walt Havenstein defeated entrepreneur Andrew Hemingway among a field of Republicans for the party’s nomination to face incumbent Democratic Gov. Maggie Hassan (D-Exeter) in the fall.
The Bristol, N.H. native went into the Sept. 8 primary with the support of many in the Republican party. Havenstein addressed the media after his win Tuesday night.
The 65-year-old Havenstein lauded his experience running defense contractors, including BAE Systems, as a qualification to be governor and improve the state’s economy. He says he can manage large, complex organizations and multi-billion dollar budgets.
Havenstein served as CEO of Science Applications International Corporation (SAIC) until his retirement from that post in October 2011. He worked as president and CEO of BAE Systems from 2007-2009.
Democrats had aimed a majority of their attacks at Havenstein in the run-up to Tuesday’s primary.
Hemingway is a 32-year-old Tea Party activist who has started three tech-based companies.
Daniel Greene and Jonathan Smolin were also on the ballot.
