Sununu Wins Trump-Backed NH Primary, Setting Up Key Senate Race with Pappas
Chris Sununu, backed by former President Trump, has won the New Hampshire Republican Senate primary, setting the stage for a crucial general election against Democrat Pappas.
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In New Hampshire's U.S. Senate primary election, held on September 8, 2026, former Republican Senator John E. Sununu secured the nomination, setting the stage for a critical midterm contest. He defeated several challengers, including former Massachusetts Senator Scott Brown, to become the Republican candidate. This race is for an open seat, as incumbent Democratic Senator Jeanne Shaheen chose not to seek re-election.
On the Democratic side, U.S. Representative Chris Pappas won his primary, overcoming a challenge from progressive candidate Karishma Manzur. Pappas, a moderate Democrat, had been widely expected to secure the nomination. Both Sununu and Pappas will now campaign for the November 3, 2026, general election, which is anticipated to be a closely watched race crucial for control of the U.S. Senate.
The upcoming general election will mark the first open Senate election in New Hampshire since 2010. Polls conducted before the primary indicated a competitive general election, with John E. Sununu and Chris Pappas projected to be strong contenders.
What each outlet emphasizes
- CNN: projects Pappas and Sununu will face off for a key Senate seat and offers takeaways from New Hampshire primaries
- AJ: provides key takeaways from the New Hampshire primary results for US midterm elections
- The Guardian: reports Trump-backed John Sununu winning the New Hampshire Republican Senate primary
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