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Pappas and Sununu Win New Hampshire Primaries for Open Senate Seat

Their Sept. 8 victories set up a nationally watched, toss‑up general election that could influence which party controls the U.S. Senate.

Republican U.S. Senate candidate Scott Brown speaks during a debate with John Sununu in Hampton, topping an event also featuring GOP US House candidates June 24, 2026.
Rep. Chris Pappas, D-N.H., a Democratic Senate candidate, greets supporters at his primary election night watch party on Sept. 8, 2026, in Manchester, New Hampshire.
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Overview

  • Voters selected Democrat Rep. Chris Pappas and Republican ex‑Sen. John E. Sununu in the Sept. 8 primaries, making them the November opponents for the seat vacated by Sen. Jeanne Shaheen.
  • The result immediately nationalizes the race as a battleground with forecasters moving it toward toss‑up status and both parties preparing heavy spending and outside advertising.
  • Sununu has President Trump’s endorsement and GOP groups have pledged large resources for New Hampshire while Pappas leads with major Democratic endorsements and a big fundraising edge.
  • Pappas beat progressive Karishma Manzur after a late polling surge by Manzur, and Sununu routed several GOP rivals including Scott Brown as he seeks a political comeback.
  • The seat matters to control of the Senate because Democrats need a net gain of four seats to flip the chamber and a Republican win in New Hampshire would ease the GOP’s path to keeping its majority.