Sununu, Pappas vie for pivotal New Hampshire Senate seat
5 sourcesUpdated Nov 3, 20261 min read
New Hampshire’s open U.S. Senate race between Republican John E. Sununu and Democrat Chris Pappas is a closely watched contest that could help determine control of the chamber. Both candidates invoke change and independence, though Sununu’s long record in Congress contrasts with his attacks on career politicians, while Pappas campaigns as a new-generation leader and cites economic concerns such as costs and jobs. Republican groups have outspent Democrats and dominated late-campaign advertising. The race comes as Democrats seek to defend their New Hampshire foothold after Sen. Jeanne Shaheen chose not to run again; the state’s history of voting Democratic in federal races is tempered by a tendency to split tickets. If elected, Pappas would be the first openly gay male U.S. senator.
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No center coverage yet — a bubble gap.
This race matters a lot for Senate control and Pappas becoming the first openly gay male senator would be a real shift.
Sununu's experience in Congress could help him navigate the Senate better than Pappas despite the spending gap.
