Pappas Claims New Hampshire Senate Seat Over Sununu

Rep. Chris Pappas has won the New Hampshire U.S. Senate race, defeating Republican John E. Sununu to retain the seat for the Democratic Party. The victory ensures that Democrats keep a key position in the U.S. Senate as the balance of power in Washington remains contested.

The contest to replace retiring Sen. Jeanne Shaheen was competitive and contentious. Shaheen, a Democrat, has occupied the seat for the past 18 years. She announced she would not seek reelection, prompting a primary between two clear front-runners within their respective parties.

Sununu conceded the race approximately 15 minutes after all polls closed in the state. He had served one term in the U.S. Senate two decades ago. During the campaign, Sununu worked to distinguish his record from that of President Trump, who endorsed the Republican candidate early in the primary.

President Trump has faced less than favorable polling numbers in the Granite State. Sununu sought to leverage his previous Senate experience while maintaining distance from the administration. The Republican strategy aimed to appeal to voters who were skeptical of the president’s performance.

Pappas, a four-term congressman, framed the election as a referendum on the current administration. He stated that the race was about holding the administration accountable and moving the country forward.

Speaking to supporters on Tuesday night, Pappas said, “Voters in New Hampshire and all across the country simply have had enough and are demanding a change in direction.” He cited specific goals, including building housing, expanding access to healthcare and childcare, and saving Social Security.

The candidate emphasized the urgency of the moment, noting that the work required to protect the planet and restore reproductive freedom would demand immediate action. He concluded by stating, “we don’t have a moment to waste, do we?”