Manchester Mayor Joyce Craig on Monday took a key step toward running for governor

Concord, N.H. (AP) — Manchester Mayor Joyce Craig on Monday took a key step toward running for governor of New Hampshire, announcing an exploratory committee led by prominent fellow Democrats. Craig, the first female mayor of the state’s largest city, had announced earlier this year that she wouldn’t be seeking a fourth term. In a statement Monday, she said has tackled serious challenges while putting families and residents first, including adding jobs and affordable housing units and reducing school class sizes and violent crime. The announcement comes as four-term Republican Gov. Chris Sununu is weighing a run for president. He easily won reelection in November after passing on a chance to run for U.S. Senate.