Democrats and Republicans Win New Hampshire Senate Primaries
Congressman Chris Pappas and former Senator John E. Sununu secured their parties' nominations for the U.S. Senate seat being vacated by Jeanne Shaheen.
New Hampshire voters chose Democratic Congressman Chris Pappas and former Republican U.S. Senator John E. Sununu to compete for the Senate seat that will be open after Senator Jeanne Shaheen’s retirement. The primaries are viewed as pivotal for control of the Senate.
At 8:20 p.m. on Tuesday, Pappas led the Democratic primary with about 62% of the vote, while his challenger Karishma Manzur had roughly 27% of the counted ballots. Sununu captured about 70% of the Republican vote, with former Massachusetts Senator Scott Brown at 25%.
Pappas, a four-term representative for New Hampshire’s 1st Congressional District, previously served as a state representative, county treasurer and executive councilor. He and his family own a long-standing Manchester restaurant. Party leaders anticipated his nomination early in the campaign.
Manzur, a scientist and first-time candidate, advocated for Medicare for All, a $25 federal minimum wage and higher taxes on wealthy individuals. She also called for ending U.S. aid to Israel, citing concerns about civilian casualties in Gaza, and criticized Pappas for receiving contributions from the American Israel Political Action Committee.
"I put 28,000 miles on a campaign van I drove myself," Manzur said, describing her grassroots effort.
Pappas positioned himself as a pragmatic reformer, drawing parallels to senior Democrats such as Shaheen and Senator Maggie Hassan. He received visits from Senators Elizabeth Warren and Mark Kelly during the final days of the primary.
Sununu, who served in the House from 1997 to 2003 and the Senate from 2003 to 2009, was widely regarded as the leading Republican contender. His primary opponent, Scott Brown, a former Massachusetts senator who moved to New Hampshire, garnered limited support.
The Sununu name carries significant recognition in state politics, linked to former governors Chris Sununu and John H. Sununu. Early endorsements from President Donald Trump and national Republican figures bolstered his campaign, though Sununu has avoided extensive discussion of the endorsement.
"I disagree with the decision to go to war with Iran," Sununu said, referring to a policy supported by Trump.
Sununu criticized Pappas for aligning closely with Democratic leadership and supporting higher taxes, framing the contest as a choice between party loyalty and fiscal policy.