Full Breakdown
Chris Pappas Wins New Hampshire Democratic Senate Primary, Setting Up Pivotal General Election
9/9/2026, 11:53:59 AM
Primary Outcome
On Tuesday, Rep. Chris Pappas secured the Democratic nomination for the open U.S. Senate seat in New Hampshire, defeating progressive challenger Karishma Manzur. The Associated Press reported that Pappas captured roughly 60 % of the vote, while Manzur earned about 38 %. Decision Desk HQ’s early call came with just over half of precincts reporting.
Historical Context
The race filled the vacancy left by retiring three-term Senator Jeanne Shaheen, who announced early last year that she would not seek re-election. Shaheen’s seat has been held by Democrats since 2008, when she defeated former Republican Senator John E. Sununu. New Hampshire has not elected a Republican to the Senate since 2010, when Governor Kelly Ayotte won the seat.
Candidate Profiles
- Chris Pappas – Four-term U.S. Representative for New Hampshire’s 1st Congressional District, a self-described “battle-tested” moderate. He has served on the state Executive Council and in the state House. Endorsements include Shaheen, former Vice President Kamala Harris, Senators Elizabeth Warren and Mark Kelly, and the Democratic establishment.
- Karishma Manzur – Medical scientist with a Ph.D. in biochemistry, member of the Southern New Hampshire Democratic Socialists of America. Her platform called for universal health care, a $20-minimum wage, Medicare for All, and an end to U.S. aid to Israel.
Fundraising and Vote Totals
Campaign finance filings show Pappas raised more than $15 million, dwarfing Manzur’s sub-$500,000 haul. In the Republican primary, former Senator John E. Sununu defeated former Massachusetts Senator Scott Brown by roughly 70 % to 25 % (Associated Press).
Official Statements & Responses
Manzur criticized Pappas for accepting donations from donors aligned with the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC) and labeled him a “genocide enabler” for supporting U.S. aid to Israel. She argued that the Democratic establishment had not delivered on health-care and economic reforms.
Criticism from Progressive Challenger
Manzur’s campaign highlighted Pappas’s ties to pro-Israel lobbyists, accusing him of “selling out” on the Gaza conflict and of being overly dependent on corporate donors.
Implications for Senate Control
The nonpartisan Cook Political Report rates the open seat as “leaning Democrat.” Analysts note that retaining Shaheen’s seat is essential for Democrats to achieve the four-seat net gain needed to flip the Senate in the 2026 midterms. Republican strategists view Sununu’s name recognition and family dynasty as a credible threat, especially given the substantial $17 million earmarked by the Senate Leadership Fund for the general election.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Vote-share figures vary slightly across outlets: the Associated Press cited a 60 %–38 % split, while Decision Desk HQ’s early projection suggested a 61.9 %–36.1 % margin. Both numbers are based on incomplete precinct returns, leaving the final percentages unconfirmed.
What’s Next
Pappas will vacate his House seat to run in the November general election against Sununu. Both campaigns are expected to intensify fundraising and advertising as the election approaches, with the Senate Majority PAC planning $10.2 million in TV spots for Pappas and the Senate Leadership Fund allocating $17 million for Sununu. The outcome will be a key determinant of which party controls the Senate for the remainder of President Donald Trump’s term.
