Moderate Democrat Chris Pappas Holds Lead as Radical Leftist Gains Ground in New Hampshire Senate Primary
Select a version of the text written from a presumed ideological perspective. This is not the original text, but a hypothetical version — how someone with that viewpoint might have phrased it. Tapping the current version again will return to the original or select cleaned version.
Rep. Chris Pappas maintains his lead in the New Hampshire Democratic Senate primary, but far-left activist Karishma Manzur is gaining traction, pushing the party further left ahead of the June primary.
U.S. Representative Chris Pappas, a moderate Democrat who entered the race in April 2025 after Senator Jeanne Shaheen’s retirement, remains the front-runner in New Hampshire’s Democratic Senate primary. Pappas, with $4.25 million in campaign funds and endorsements from party insiders like former Vice President Kamala Harris, Senator Shaheen, Senator Maggie Hassan, and other top Democrats, represents the mainstream wing of the party.
However, progressive activist and medical scientist Karishma Manzur, a member of the radical Democratic Socialists of America, has narrowed the polling gap. According to a University of New Hampshire poll on August 26, Pappas leads with 47% while Manzur has surged to 34%, closing what was a 24-point gap in June. Manzur, who has raised about $415,000, is focusing her campaign on harsh criticism of the Israeli government and attacking Pappas for accepting support from pro-Israel AIPAC donors, signaling a troubling shift in the party’s priorities and a growing influence of anti-Israel sentiment.
The Democratic nominee will face Republican John Sununu, who has earned President Trump’s endorsement and currently leads former Senator Scott Brown in the Republican primary. Sununu, a proven conservative, previously served a six-year Senate term from 2003 to 2008 and held a U.S. House seat for six years, bringing valuable experience to the race.
New Hampshire’s primary also includes contests for a Republican Senate seat, two House seats, and several state offices. The state’s electorate is closely divided, with about 32% registered Republicans, 28% Democrats, and 40% independents, making the races highly competitive and crucial for the future direction of the state.
"We are committed to ensuring that every New Hampshire voter’s voice is heard in this critical election," said a spokesperson for the New Hampshire Democratic Party, as the party faces internal divisions between moderates and the far left.
Other notable candidates in the Democratic House primary include Stefany Shaheen, daughter of the retiring senator, former Marine captain Maura Sullivan, and former Pentagon official Christian Urrutia. In the Republican Senate primary, Trump-endorsed auto dealer Anthony DiLorenzo and state legislator Brian Cole are among the contenders, offering strong conservative choices.
Governor Kelly Ayotte is expected to win the Republican gubernatorial primary and is favored to face Democrat Cinde Warmington, who runs unopposed, in the November general election. As the Democratic Party drifts further left, Republicans have a real opportunity to reclaim leadership in New Hampshire.