New Hampshire Primaries Advance Sununu, Pappas for Senate

New Hampshire voters chose familiar names over challengers in several key races on September 9, 2026, setting up a Senate contest between two established figures and narrowing options in House districts. The results come in a state both parties see as competitive for control of Congress.

Republican John E. Sununu defeated former Senator Scott Brown to win his party's Senate nomination. Democrat Chris Pappas, a four-term congressman, defeated progressive challenger Karishma Manzur by more than 30 points. The two will face each other in November for the seat held by retiring Democratic Senator Jeanne Shaheen.

In the First Congressional District, Stefany Shaheen, daughter of the retiring senator and a former Portsmouth city councilor, defeated Maura Sullivan by a narrow margin. Nearly $740,000 of Shaheen's itemized donations, or 39 percent, came from contributors who had previously given to her mother, according to a Politico analysis of campaign filings. Sullivan had criticized the family connection. Anthony DiLorenzo, backed by President Trump, won the Republican nomination in that district.

Governor Kelly Ayotte, a Republican, faced no serious primary opposition. She will meet Democrat Cinde Warmington, a former state Executive Council member, in the general election. In the Second District, Democratic Representative Maggie Goodlander defeated a progressive state lawmaker.

The outcomes occurred in one of the few states with a split federal delegation and Republican control of state government. Both parties have identified the Senate race as a priority for the November balance of power.