Full Breakdown
Democrats Outpace Republicans by 40,000 Votes in New Hampshire Primary
By Drooid · · How we work
Core Event: Primary Turnout Gap
On Tuesday’s primary, New Hampshire voters turned out in markedly different numbers for the two major parties. The Secretary of State’s Office recorded that Democratic voters cast roughly 153,000 votes in the U.S. Senate contest, about 42,700 more than the 111,000 votes cast by Republicans. Across all contested races, the total Democratic turnout exceeded Republican turnout by more than 40,000 votes, a 38 percent higher participation rate for Democrats.
Background & Context: Senate and House Contests
Former U.S. Sen. John E. Sununu secured the Republican Senate nomination with 75,789 votes (68 % of the Republican total) and was endorsed by former President Donald Trump. His Democratic opponent, former Massachusetts Sen. Scott Brown, received 29,672 votes (27 %). On the Democratic side, U.S. Rep. Chris Pappas won the Senate nomination with 100,053 votes (65 %), while challenger Karishma Manzur earned 50,307 votes (33 %).
In the 1st District House primary, Democrat Stefany Shaheen narrowly defeated Maura Sullivan (29,571 vs 27,859). Republican Anthony DiLorenzo captured the GOP nomination with 29,409 votes (51 %). In the 2nd District, Democrat Maggie Goodlander won with 59,817 votes (82 %), while Republican Lily Tang Williams secured the GOP nomination with 31,357 votes (59 %).
Data & Statistics
- Democratic Senate primary votes: 153,343 (42,685 more than Republicans).
- Republican Senate primary votes: 111,018.
- Sununu: 75,789 (68 %); Brown: 29,672 (27 %).
- Pappas: 100,053 (65 %); Manzur: 50,307 (33 %).
- Write-in votes on opposite ballots: Sununu 198, Brown 38, Pappas 480, Manzur 134.
Official Statements & Responses
During his acceptance speech, Sununu criticized President Trump’s tariffs on Canadian products, signaling a willingness to distance himself from certain national policies despite Trump’s endorsement. The Democratic establishment backed Pappas and Goodlander as moderate candidates, emphasizing continuity.
Implications for the General Election
The turnout differential highlights a competitive environment in New Hampshire’s upcoming November contests. With Democrats outpacing Republicans by a sizable margin in the primary, the party may have an organizational advantage heading into the general election, particularly in the Senate race that could affect the national balance of power. Republicans point to Sununu’s Trump endorsement and cross-party write-in votes as indicators of appeal that could narrow the gap in November.
Overall, the primary turnout figures provide a quantitative snapshot of current partisan enthusiasm in New Hampshire and set the stage for strategic calculations by both parties as they prepare for the November general election.