Full Breakdown
New Hampshire Senate Primary Becomes a Battleground for Both Parties
9/8/2026, 3:08:29 AM
Core Contest: Tight Democratic and Republican Primaries
The retirement of Democratic Sen. Jeanne Shaheen opened a U.S. Senate seat in New Hampshire, prompting two contested primaries. On the Democratic side, Rep. Chris Pappas (D) faces progressive scientist Karishma Manzur, whose campaign has narrowed Pappas’s lead in recent polls. The Republican field pits former Sen. John E. Sununu against former U.S. Sen. Scott Brown, who argues Sununu relies on name recognition.
Background & Context
Shaheen’s announced retirement after three terms left both parties scrambling for a nominee. Democrats have poured resources into traditionally red states, while Republicans have turned to familiar names from the pre-Trump era. Sununu, out of office since 2008, returns amid the recent popularity of his younger brother, former Gov. Chris Sununu.
Data & Statistics
- Polling: A University of New Hampshire poll (Aug. 20-24) showed Pappas leading Manzur by 13 points. An earlier St. Anselm College poll gave Pappas a seven-point advantage, while an internal campaign poll claimed a 56-point lead.
- General-Election Outlook: Late-August UNH polling placed Sununu with a narrow lead over Pappas; a GOP-sponsored Fabrizio Lee & Associates poll produced a similar result. Inside Elections labeled the race a toss-up.
- Fundraising: Pappas has raised substantially more than Manzur, though exact figures are undisclosed. Sununu’s campaign is expected to receive significant Republican spending, while Brown’s fundraising lags behind Sununu’s.
Official Statements & Responses
- Pappas highlighted his congressional record on deficit reduction and criticized Sununu as a “big-money candidate” who would enable “corporate special interests.” He defended his stance on Israel, supporting a Senate resolution to block certain weapons shipments.
- Manzur framed the race around corporate influence, the cost of wars, and the need to end U.S. support for the Netanyahu government, stressing that her criticism targets the Israeli administration, not the Jewish people or religion.
On-the-Ground Reports
- Ed Gleason, an 89-year-old Pelham resident, expressed confidence in Brown’s experience.
- Sudie Francouer, 82, recounted confusion over Sununu’s identity after a mix-up with his brother’s photos, prompting Sununu to stress his own record.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Poll results vary: the UNH poll shows a 13-point gap between Pappas and Manzur, the St. Anselm poll a seven-point gap, and an internal poll a 56-point gap. Precise fundraising totals for the Republican candidates are not disclosed, leaving the financial landscape partially opaque.
Verbatim Quotes
- “He can't break with all those special interests," Brown said.” — Scott Brown
What’s Next
The Democratic and Republican primaries are scheduled for the upcoming Tuesday, with the general election in November. The GOP nominee will face Pappas, who remains the Democratic frontrunner. Both parties will gauge how the outcomes influence national Senate control.
