Pappas and Sununu to Vie for Open NH Senate Seat

New Hampshire voters on Tuesday, September 8, 2026, selected nominees for key federal and state offices, setting the stage for a closely watched general election contest for the U.S. Senate. Representative Chris Pappas secured the Democratic nomination, while former Senator John Sununu won the Republican nod, positioning them for a fall showdown for the open Senate seat vacated by retiring Democratic Senator Jeanne Shaheen. Pappas, considered the frontrunner, defeated Karishma Manzur in the Democratic primary. Sununu, who previously held the Senate seat from 2003 to 2009, bested former Senator Scott Brown for the Republican nomination. The race between Pappas and Sununu is anticipated to be a critical battleground for control of the closely divided U.S. Senate, with Republicans viewing the open seat as a significant opportunity to potentially flip control of the chamber. Sununu's victory came with an endorsement from former President Donald Trump, despite Sununu having previously criticized Trump. Brown reportedly highlighted these past criticisms during the campaign.