In New Hampshire Senate race, the Democrat faces an unusually tough t…

New Hampshire Senate Race Between Republican John Sununu and Democrat Chris Pappas Remains Competitive

MANCHESTER, N.H. — The contest to succeed retiring Sen. Jeanne Shaheen features Republican John E. Sununu and Rep. Chris Pappas (D). Sununu previously served as a U.S. senator in the early 2000s. He holds name recognition tied to his family, including two former governors, and received an endorsement from President Donald Trump. Some voters have indicated uncertainty about whether he is the same individual as other family members who held statewide office. Sununu has criticized certain Trump administration actions, including tariffs on Canada and the initiation of conflict with Iran, while supporting other measures such as the One Big Beautiful Bill Act.

Recent surveys reflect a close contest. A University of New Hampshire poll showed Pappas ahead by eight points, and a New York Times/Siena poll showed a five-point lead for Pappas. Other surveys have indicated Sununu ahead or the candidates tied. The Cook Political Report moved its rating from Lean Democratic to Toss Up. New Hampshire was carried by Kamala Harris by 2.8 percentage points in the 2024 presidential election.

Sununu has maintained distance from some national issues during the campaign. His campaign website does not list the Trump endorsement. He has stated that Congress should reclaim authority from the executive branch. A Sununu campaign spokesperson said Sununu would serve as an independent voice for New Hampshire residents and stand against the White House when state interests require it. The spokesperson described Pappas as aligned with national party priorities.

Pappas has served in the House since 2019. He has cited instances of disagreement with the prior Biden administration, including repeated criticism of border policies. He has not committed to supporting Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer for leadership and described Democratic responses early in the current term as insufficiently prepared. Pappas has aligned with mainstream Democratic positions on most legislation. If elected, he would become the first openly gay man to serve in the Senate.

The race centers on control of the Senate, where Republicans hold a 53-47 majority. Democrats seek to retain their seats and gain at least four Republican-held seats. Sununu has avoided extensive national media appearances, and his campaign declined an interview request for this article. Pappas has conducted smaller-scale events across New Hampshire.

On policy, Sununu has endorsed the outcome of the Iran conflict for its effect on Iran’s nuclear capabilities and declined to support a congressional resolution limiting further involvement. He has defended the general approach of tariffs while opposing those applied to Canada. Pappas has stated that Sununu’s record places him in alignment with the administration’s agenda on multiple issues.

Voters interviewed in Merrimack, Hillsborough, and Rockingham counties offered differing assessments. Some described their choice as influenced by opposition to Trump administration actions and a desire for Democratic Senate control. Others pointed to Sununu’s family record in state government and expressed support for continuity with that record. One voter, Elizabeth Johnson, cited the Sununu family’s prior contributions to the state as a reason for backing the candidate. Another voter, Robert Drew, initially referenced interactions with a different family member before clarifying support for John Sununu after correction.

Sununu campaign materials and yard signs use the surname without a first name. Cook Political Report noted potential voter confusion between family members as one factor in its rating. Pappas has described Sununu’s effort as relying on family recognition while stating that voters will distinguish candidates by Election Day. Sununu has addressed the topic by referencing past instances of similar confusion during his brother’s campaigns and by pointing to his own congressional record.

A University of New Hampshire poll recorded Trump’s approval rating in the state at 33 percent. Some voters said this national context affects their Senate choice more than individual candidate positions. Others said they weigh local factors, including the candidates’ records on state-specific issues such as trade with Canada and spending legislation.

Pappas has maintained a lower national profile than some other Democratic Senate candidates. His family has operated a restaurant in Manchester for generations, and his grandfather is credited with developing the chicken tender. Sununu, age 62, and Pappas, age 46, both emphasize records of service within New Hampshire institutions.

The campaign has featured limited direct engagement between the candidates on national media. Sununu accepted the Trump endorsement ahead of the September primary. Pappas has focused on Sununu’s voting record as evidence of alignment with administration priorities. Sununu’s spokesperson countered that Pappas prioritizes party positions over state interests.

Additional voter interviews indicated varied expectations. Some predicted Sununu would support most administration-backed measures. Others expressed confidence that Sununu would act independently on matters affecting New Hampshire’s economy and trade relationships. No single pattern emerged across all respondents regarding the weight given to national versus state-level considerations.

The race continues with both campaigns emphasizing their respective records and approaches to representation. Polling remains within margins that leave the outcome uncertain.