Democratic Representative Chris Pappas and Republican former Senator John E. Sununu have emerged victorious in their New Hampshire Senate primaries. This sets up a highly competitive general election in November for the open Senate seat, which is considered crucial in the fight for control of the Senate.
Pappas, who has served in the House since 2018, defeated progressive challenger Karishma Manzur, securing approximately 62% of the vote. Sununu, who previously served in both the House and Senate and comes from a prominent New Hampshire political family, won his primary with about 70% of the vote against former Massachusetts Senator Scott Brown.
The general election is expected to be a battleground. Democrats are defending the seat left open by retiring Senator Jeanne Shaheen, and while they acknowledge the race will be competitive, they express confidence in Pappas. Republicans, bolstered by Sununu's name recognition and former President Trump's endorsement, believe they have a strong chance to flip the seat, especially appealing to independent voters concerned about taxes. Both campaigns have already launched attacks, with Pappas criticizing Sununu's ties to the pharmaceutical and insurance industries, and Republicans attacking Pappas on tax issues.
The outcome of this New Hampshire Senate race could be pivotal in determining which party controls the Senate after the upcoming midterm elections.
