Voters in New Hampshire opted for established political figures over progressive challengers in key primary races held Tuesday, signaling a preference for familiar candidates as parties prepare for pivotal contests this fall. The results set the stage for competitive general elections in a state known for its mixed political landscape.
In the race for the U.S. Senate seat being vacated by three-term Democrat Jeanne Shaheen, Representative Chris Pappas, 46, secured the Democratic nomination with a decisive victory over progressive contender Karishma Manzur. Pappas’s win, by more than 30 percentage points, underscores his appeal as a steady, low-profile politician amid a national trend favoring more outspoken, social media-savvy candidates. On the Republican side, former Senator John E. Sununu, 61, easily won the nomination, defeating former Senator Scott Brown and reasserting his family’s longstanding influence in state politics. Sununu’s political lineage—he is both the brother and son of former New Hampshire governors—remains a strong asset despite Democratic efforts to criticize voters for confusing him with his brother, Governor Chris Sununu.
The First Congressional District Democratic primary produced a narrow victory for Stefany Shaheen, daughter of Senator Jeanne Shaheen, who overcame former Marine and progressive candidate Maura Sullivan. Shaheen, a former Portsmouth city councilor and health care entrepreneur, received backing from prominent state Democrats but faced criticism over her family connections and accusations from Sullivan of leveraging her “fancy last name.” Shaheen also countered by targeting Sullivan’s out-of-state donors and their contributions to the American Israel Public Affairs Committee. The close margin in this race indicates some voter fatigue with established political families even as new dynasties emerge.
In the Republican primary for the First Congressional District, Anthony DiLorenzo, a car dealership owner, gained elevation with former President Donald Trump’s endorsement, highlighting ongoing divisions within the GOP regarding the former president’s influence.
The gubernatorial primary featured incumbent Governor Kelly Ayotte securing another term unchallenged within the Republican party. Ayotte, a former attorney general and U.S. senator, diverges from Trump’s stance on several issues, including redistricting and trade policies, which resonates with New Hampshire’s more moderate Republican base. She will face Democrat Cindy Weraginton, a former member of the state Executive Council, in the general election. Weraginton previously ran unsuccessfully for governor in 2024.
New Hampshire’s political scene remains notably competitive and ideologically mixed, with a Democratic federal delegation contrasted by Republican control of state government. The victories of familiar candidates on both sides highlight the enduring strength of the state’s political establishment as candidates position themselves for the general elections. Observers note that Republicans are approaching the fall with candidates who predate Donald Trump’s prominence in the GOP and who have maintained a careful distance from his more polarizing positions. As the campaign season advances, the ability of these candidates to navigate the GOP’s internal tensions and appeal to a broad electorate will be critical for their prospects in November.