Chris Pappas elected to New Hampshire Senate seat
Democratic Rep. Chris Pappas won the New Hampshire Senate race, defeating Republican John Sununu and keeping the seat held by retiring Sen. Jeanne Shaheen for the Democrats.
Democratic Representative Chris Pappas secured New Hampshire’s open Senate seat, according to NBC News projections, beating Republican former Senator John Sununu. 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 aid his campaign. However, the race was influenced by broader national dynamics, including the unpopularity of President Donald Trump, who distanced himself from the conflict in Iran and related tariff policies.
Pappas captured the Democratic nomination in September after defeating left-wing challenger Karishma Manzur.