New Hampshire voters selected their major party nominees for the U.S. Senate on September 8, setting the stage for a high-stakes contest this November as both parties seek to gain or retain control of the chamber. The Democratic nomination went to Rep. Chris Pappas, while former Sen. John E. Sununu secured the Republican nod.
The open seat has attracted significant attention after retiring Democratic Sen. Jeanne Shaheen announced she would not seek re-election. New Hampshire, a swing state that voted narrowly for Vice President Kamala Harris in 2024, is viewed as a critical battleground amid predictions of a Democratic-leaning year but continued uncertainty about the midterm outcomes.
Sununu, a veteran of the Senate who defeated Shaheen in 2002 before losing to her in 2008, is seen by Republicans as a strong candidate to help flip the seat and bolster the GOP majority. The Republican Party plans to invest $17 million in the state’s race, emphasizing Sununu’s political lineage as the son and brother of former New Hampshire governors. His primary victory over former Massachusetts Sen. Scott Brown, endorsed by former President Donald Trump and marked by calls for congressional reform and term limits, was decisive despite some public disagreements with Trump’s policies.
During his victory speech, Sununu pledged to challenge what he described as “career politicians” in Washington, criticizing Pappas for voting against ending a recent government shutdown. He also highlighted the need for real reform in the federal government.
On the Democratic side, Pappas, who would become the first openly gay male senator if elected, overcame a strong progressive challenge from Karishma Manzur, a medical scientist supportive of Medicare for All and immigrant rights reforms. Pappas outraised both Sununu and Brown combined and is considered the more electable candidate for the November contest. In his remarks, Pappas pointed to economic disparities under the current administration, criticizing former President Trump’s record on wealth and economic conditions.
Political analysts remain cautiously optimistic about Democrats’ chances to retain the seat. Kyle Kondik, managing editor of a nonpartisan political newsletter, noted New Hampshire’s Democratic lean in federal races and the overall favorable environment for Democrats this election cycle, but he acknowledged the race’s competitiveness.
Meanwhile, the contest to succeed Pappas in New Hampshire’s 1st Congressional District featured a close Democratic primary between Stefany Shaheen, daughter of the outgoing senator, and retired Marine Maura Sullivan. With most votes counted, Shaheen narrowly edged Sullivan, who ran on a platform emphasizing fighting privilege and advancing progressive policies. Both candidates supported abolishing U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement and called for impeachment efforts against Trump should Democrats regain the House, but they diverged on health care approaches.
On the Republican side in the 1st District, businessman Anthony DiLorenzo, endorsed by Trump, won his primary handily. The district, covering southeastern New Hampshire, has served as a bellwether in presidential elections since 2000.
The New Hampshire races highlight the ongoing influence of political families in the state’s elections. John E. Sununu’s victory continues a family legacy in New Hampshire politics, while Stefany Shaheen’s campaign brought attention to the role of political dynasties amid mixed reactions from voters.
Both parties recognize New Hampshire as a key battleground in their efforts to shape the balance of power in Congress heading into the 2026 midterms. The Senate race in the Granite State remains one of the most closely watched contests as the general election approaches.