Chris Pappas wins New Hampshire Senate seat in another blow to Republicans
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Democratic Rep. Chris Pappas defeated Republican former Senator John Sununu in the New Hampshire Senate race, allowing Democrats to keep the seat once held by retiring Sen. Jeanne Shaheen. Pappas will become the first openly gay man elected to the Senate.
Democratic Representative Chris Pappas secured New Hampshire’s open Senate seat, according to NBC News projections, beating Republican former Senator John Sununu in a contest that once again showed how difficult it is for Republicans to overcome the current political climate. Pappas, who has served in the House since 2019, will become the first openly gay man elected to the Senate. The victory maintains Democratic control of the seat previously held by retiring Senator Jeanne Shaheen, who served for 18 years after first winning the office in 2008.
Sununu, a former senator and member of a prominent New Hampshire political family, had hoped his name recognition would give him an edge with voters. But the race was shaped by larger national dynamics, including the unpopularity of President Donald Trump, who distanced himself from the conflict in Iran and related tariff policies. For Republicans, the outcome is a reminder that candidate familiarity alone is not enough when the broader environment is working against them.
Pappas captured the Democratic nomination in September after defeating left-wing challenger Karishma Manzur.