Full Breakdown
New Hampshire Senate and Rhode Island Governor Primaries Heat Up Ahead of Midterms
9/8/2026, 10:20:10 PM
Core Contests
- New Hampshire Senate seat – With Democratic Sen. Jeanne Shaheen retiring, Rep. Chris Pappas (D) and scientist Karishma Manzur (D) vie for the nomination, while former Sen. John E. Sununu (R) and former Sen. Scott Brown (R) compete for the GOP slot.
- Rhode Island governor’s race – Incumbent Gov. Dan McKee (D) faces pharmacy-executive Helena Foulkes (D) in a primary that could determine whether a sitting Democratic governor is ousted.
Background & Context
These primaries are among the last major contests before the 2026 midterms, with control of Congress at stake. In New Hampshire, Democrats view the open Senate seat as essential to offset the Republican-controlled Senate, while Republicans see a chance to reclaim a seat they lost in 2018. In Rhode Island, the governor’s primary will shape the November contest.
Data & Statistics
- Polling (NH Senate) – UNH Survey Center reported Pappas leading Manzur by 13 points; Saint Anselm College showed a 31-point advantage. A Senate Republicans poll placed Sununu ahead of Pappas by one point, with about 25 % undecided.
- Fundraising – Sununu’s campaign has received millions from the Senate Leadership Fund, NRSC, AFP Action, One Nation and Elon Musk. Pappas has out-raised his likely general-election opponent in direct contributions but trails outside GOP spending.
- Rhode Island governor – A recent poll gave Foulkes a lead of up to 38 points over McKee and noted she has outraised the incumbent. The westbound Washington Bridge, closed in 2023 for safety repairs, remains a focal issue; demolition finished in December, with a new bridge slated for 2028.
Official Statements & Responses
- Rep. Chris Pappas: “I have the feeling that people are going to want to speak out loudly and clearly on Tuesday, and then again on November 3rd.”
- Gov. Dan McKee acknowledged voter frustration over the bridge project, saying the public will recognize the administration’s actions as “the right thing.” (Interview cited by *The New York Times*).
- John Sununu: “More than anything, this race is about the future.”
- Scott Brown: “My only job is to represent the people in New Hampshire, and I believe I'm the only one that can do that independently.”
Criticism & Opposition
- Karishma Manzur: “It’s not just about AIPAC. We’re trying to get money out of politics.”
- Sununu’s campaign has been attacked by Brown, who called Sununu “missing in action.”
- Foulkes has criticized McKee over the Washington Bridge delay, linking it to broader voter resentment.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
- Polling on the Pappas-Manzur Democratic primary varies widely (13-point vs. 31-point leads); methodological differences are not explained.
- Multiple outlets cite a large lead for Foulkes over McKee, but exact percentages differ and no definitive statewide figure is provided.
What’s Next
- New Hampshire: Primary voting opens on September 8, with polls required to be open by 11 a.m. (15:00 GMT).
- Rhode Island: Primary voting begins on September 9 at 7 a.m. (11:00 GMT) and closes at 8 p.m. (00:00 GMT Thursday).
- Winners will become the parties’ nominees for the November 3 general election.
