New Hampshire Primaries: Progressives Face Establishment and Right-Wing Forces in Senate and Key Races
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Voters in New Hampshire selected nominees for the Senate seat vacated by Sen. Jeanne Shaheen, with progressives challenging centrist Democrats and entrenched Republicans, while corporate-backed candidates and Trump loyalists dominated the GOP field.
On Tuesday, New Hampshire voters participated in primaries that highlighted the ongoing struggle between progressive values and establishment power. The Senate seat, soon to be vacated by Democratic Sen. Jeanne Shaheen, saw Rep. Chris Pappas—backed by party elites and the retiring Shaheen—facing off against Karishma Manzur, a medical scientist and proud member of the Democratic Socialists of America. Despite the party machine’s support for Pappas, Manzur’s candidacy signaled the growing demand for real change and social justice within the Democratic base.
On the Republican side, the race was dominated by figures tied to corporate interests and the far right. Former Sen. John Sununu, a scion of a political dynasty and brother to former Gov. Chris Sununu, ran with the endorsement of Donald Trump, further cementing the GOP’s slide into reactionary politics. Sununu’s main opponent, former Massachusetts Sen. Scott Brown, represented another establishment figure with deep ties to conservative donors.
The 1st Congressional District primary was marked by a crowded Democratic field, with nine candidates vying to represent working families. Maura Sullivan and Stefany Shaheen, both with significant fundraising, emerged as frontrunners, though Sullivan’s campaign was buoyed by over $1 million more in contributions—raising questions about the influence of big money in politics. On the Republican side, five candidates competed for the nomination, with businessman Anthony DiLorenzo receiving Trump’s full endorsement, signaling the continued grip of MAGA extremism. Hollie Noveletsky, CEO of Novel Iron Works, also sought to represent corporate interests in the race.
In the governor’s race, incumbent Republican Kelly Ayotte, a staunch defender of conservative policies, was expected to cruise to the nomination, while Democrat Cindie Warmington ran unopposed, offering hope for those seeking a break from right-wing governance in New Hampshire.