Key NH Primaries Called, Setting Up Key Open Senate Race
New Hampshire voters established one of the most consequential Senate contests of the 2026 midterm elections Tuesday, selecting former Republican Sen. John E. Sununu and Democratic Rep. Chris Pappas as their parties’ nominees.
The two candidates will compete for the seat being vacated by retiring Democratic Sen. Jeanne Shaheen, giving Republicans a significant opportunity to expand their power in the Senate.
Tuesday’s primaries also settled several other important contests, including the gubernatorial race and the campaign for Pappas’ open seat in the 1st Congressional District.
Although Republicans control New Hampshire’s state government, Democrats currently occupy every seat in the state’s congressional delegation. That unusual political divide makes the November races a major test of whether the GOP can translate its success at the state level into federal victories.
Sununu Makes Political Comeback
Sununu defeated a Republican field that included former Massachusetts Sen. Scott Brown.
The former New Hampshire senator previously served in Washington from 2003 to 2009 before losing reelection to Shaheen. His return to statewide politics has been boosted by the endorsement of President Donald Trump.
Brown, who also served as an ambassador during the Trump administration, presented himself as an alternative to the Sununu family’s longstanding influence over New Hampshire Republican politics.
Sununu’s primary victory now gives GOP voters an experienced nominee with statewide name recognition and a previous record in the Senate.
Pappas Survives Challenge From the Left
Pappas defeated several Democratic rivals, including progressive candidate Karishma Manzur.
The congressman has represented New Hampshire’s politically competitive 1st Congressional District since 2019. He is giving up that House seat in an attempt to succeed Shaheen in the Senate.
Manzur challenged Pappas from the left, focusing on healthcare, campaign finance and American policy toward Israel.
Pappas emphasized affordability, government healthcare programs and his history of winning elections in a closely divided congressional district.
The general election now pits a sitting Democratic congressman against a former Republican senator from one of New Hampshire’s most prominent political families.
With control of the Senate at stake, both parties are expected to pour substantial resources into the contest.
Ayotte Advances in Governor’s Race
Republican Gov. Kelly Ayotte also secured her party’s nomination Tuesday.
Ayotte will face Democrat Cinde Warmington, who ran unopposed in the Democratic primary.
The Republican governor has centered her campaign on public safety, housing affordability and resistance to new taxes. Warmington has emphasized healthcare, housing, childcare and energy expenses.
The race will test whether voters continue entrusting Republicans with state government even as they have favored Democrats in recent federal elections.
Trump-Backed Businessman Targets Open House Seat
Pappas’ decision to run for Senate has also created an open contest in New Hampshire’s 1st Congressional District.
Democrat Stefany Shaheen, the daughter of the retiring senator, won her party’s nomination and will face Republican businessman Anthony DiLorenzo.
DiLorenzo, a first-time candidate endorsed by Trump, emerged victorious from a crowded Republican primary after campaigning on his private-sector experience and economic priorities.
Shaheen, a healthcare advocate and former Portsmouth city councilor, focused her campaign on healthcare and affordability.
The district includes Manchester and substantial parts of New Hampshire’s Seacoast and Lakes Region. Pappas has represented it since 2019, but its competitive history gives Republicans a credible opportunity to flip the seat and strengthen their House majority.
The contest will also raise questions about political dynasties as Democrats attempt to replace Pappas with the retiring senator’s daughter.
National Spotlight Turns to New Hampshire
New Hampshire has repeatedly elected Republicans to lead its state government while sending Democrats to Washington—a split record that leaves both parties with reason for optimism.
But the Senate campaign is expected to command the greatest national attention. Republicans see Sununu as a viable candidate capable of capturing a Democratic-held seat, while Democrats are relying on Pappas’ experience winning in competitive territory.
Tuesday’s results ended months of intraparty campaigning and finalized the choices voters will face on Nov. 3, CNN reported.
For the country, the stakes reach far beyond New Hampshire: The outcome could help determine which party controls the Senate during the second half of Trump’s second term.