Story perspectives

Sununu and Pappas win NH Senate primaries, set showdown

By Drooid · Sep 11, 2026, 1:30 PM UTC · How we work

Center

Sununu, Pappas Win

Republican John E. Sununu and Democrat Chris Pappas won New Hampshire’s Senate primaries Tuesday, securing each party’s nomination for the open seat.
The race is framed as a closely watched, potentially decisive battle, with prediction markets giving Democrats an 83% chance to win.
Sununu won the Republican nomination with 68% of the vote, beating Scott Brown.
Pappas secured the Democratic nomination with 65% of the vote, defeating Karishma Manzur.

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Sununu, Pappas Win

Republican John E. Sununu and Democrat Chris Pappas won New Hampshire Senate primaries on Tuesday, securing party nominations for the seat.
The victory emphasized Sununu’s Senate experience and a endorsement from President Donald Trump, highlighting his leadership and fundraising edge.
Sununu won 69.6% of votes; Brown got 25.2% with 15% precincts; poll shows Pappas ahead.
Results showed Sununu raised $4.1 million, Brown’s $2.2 million; Pappas secured endorsements from Hassan, Lynch and Harris.

History

Historical Context

Bob Smith’s narrow 1996 re-election on November 5, when Bill Clinton’s coattails almost unseated the conservative Republican, marked the start of New Hampshire’s swing-state era. Three decades later, the open 2026 Senate race pits former senator John Sununu, who won the Republican primary with 68.5% on September 8, against Democrat Chris Pappas, reflecting the state’s continued focus on high-profile candidates and fundraising.

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Sununu, Pappas Win

Republican John E. Sununu and Democrat Chris Pappas won New Hampshire’s Senate primaries Tuesday, securing each party’s nomination for the open seat.
The race is framed as a closely watched, potentially decisive battle, with prediction markets giving Democrats an 83% chance to win.
Sununu won the Republican nomination with 68% of the vote, beating Scott Brown.
Pappas secured the Democratic nomination with 65% of the vote, defeating Karishma Manzur.

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