Story perspectives

Cook Political Report Makes New Hampshire Senate Race Toss-Up

By Drooid · Sep 20, 2026, 2:39 PM UTC · How we work

Summary

Story summary

The Cook Political Report moved New Hampshire’s Senate contest to toss-up in early September.
Former Sen. John Sununu has raised $4.1 million, while Rep. Chris Pappas has raised $15 million.
A St. Pete Polls and FloridaPolitics.com survey shows Democrat Angie Nixon and Republican Ashley Moody each at 45 %.
Recent polls show Democrat James Talarico leading Republican Ken Paxton by three to five points.

History

Historical Context

In the 2008 presidential election, Barack Obama’s campaign shattered fundraising records, amassing $32 million in the primary season. The Democratic National Committee, the Federal Election Commission, and major donors like George Soros contributed to a 1,200-percent increase in small-donor contributions. Today's New Hampshire Senate race mirrors that surge, with Chris Pappas raising $15 million and John Sununu collecting $4.1 million, echoing the fundraising intensity that reshaped 2008 contests. The precedent suggests that massive cash inflows can swing tight polls, prompting parties to prioritize donor networks ahead of upcoming September primaries.

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Story summary

The Cook Political Report moved New Hampshire’s Senate contest to toss-up in early September.
Former Sen. John Sununu has raised $4.1 million, while Rep. Chris Pappas has raised $15 million.
A St. Pete Polls and FloridaPolitics.com survey shows Democrat Angie Nixon and Republican Ashley Moody each at 45 %.
Recent polls show Democrat James Talarico leading Republican Ken Paxton by three to five points.

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