Rep. Chris Pappas (D) and former Sen. John E. Sununu (R) are set to compete for New Hampshire’s open Senate seat in November, marking a high-stakes contest for the Republican Party. The GOP views this race as one of its strongest opportunities to gain ground in the upper chamber.
Both candidates emerged victorious from their respective primaries on Tuesday, defeating multiple challengers to secure their party’s nomination. Pappas and Sununu are now positioned as the frontrunners heading into the general election.
The race carries significant weight, particularly given New Hampshire’s recent voting history. The state has not elected a Republican to the Senate since 2010, underscoring the challenge Sununu faces in breaking that streak. Despite this hurdle, the contest remains a focal point for national parties as they assess the political landscape ahead of the upcoming election.
Finally, two serious candidates with distinct records. I just hope they talk about the economy instead of national culture war issues.
Sununu has a tough hill to climb given NH hasn’t elected a Republican senator in over a decade. This will be a brutal fight.