Voters in New Hampshire cast ballots Tuesday in a primary election that will shape the outcome of a pivotal U.S. Senate race, one that Democrats view as essential to maintaining their narrow majority in the chamber. The contest, first reported by theguardian.com, features a centrist Democratic congressman against a progressive challenger on one side and two former senators vying for the Republican nomination on the other.
The open seat was created when three-term incumbent Jeanne Shaheen, 79, announced her retirement earlier this year. Her departure has turned New Hampshire into a bellwether for national political trends, with both parties investing heavily in what could be one of the most competitive races of the midterm cycle.
The Democratic Field
Congressman Chris Pappas, 46, emerged as the Democratic nominee after securing endorsements from former Vice President Kamala Harris and other party leaders. Pappas has represented New Hampshire’s first district in the House since 2019 and brings significant financial resources to the general election fight, with more than $4 million in cash on hand according to recent campaign filings.
Pappas faces Dr. Karishma Manzur, a scientist and progressive activist who has never held public office. Manzur’s platform includes support for Medicare for All and higher taxes on large corporations and wealthy individuals. She framed her candidacy as a response to voter frustration with the current political landscape.
“I was tired of choosing between the lesser of two evils and still seeing so much pain and suffering right here in my state,” Manzur told the The Guardian, according to theguardian.com.
Pappas has emphasized his experience and moderate record throughout the campaign. The congressman’s family owns the Puritan Backroom, a Manchester restaurant credited with inventing the chicken tender, a detail that has helped him connect with local voters in a state where personal relationships often matter more than national messaging.
The Republican Contest
On the Republican side, former Senator John E. Sununu, 61, is seeking to reclaim the seat he once held. Sununu comes from a prominent political family; his father and brother both served as governors of New Hampshire. He received an endorsement from President Donald Trump earlier this year, though Sununu published an op-ed in 2024 criticizing the president.
Sununu faces competition from Scott Brown, a former Massachusetts senator who also served as U.S. ambassador to New Zealand and Samoa. Brown’s entry into the race has complicated Republican efforts to consolidate support behind a single candidate.
The Stakes
New Hampshire has not elected a Republican to the Senate since 2010, when Kelly Ayotte won the seat. Democrats have held the chamber ever since, making this race critical for party leaders hoping to maintain control after the midterms.
Pappas acknowledged the competitive nature of the state during a campaign event in Manchester on September 6, where he spoke alongside Senator Mark Kelly. He told supporters that he approaches every day as if he is trailing by a narrow margin.
“This is the kind of place where you can’t just run a bunch of TV ads and expect to win,” Pappas told the The Guardian, according to theguardian.com.
The primary results will determine which candidates advance to the November general election. With President Trump’s approval rating in New Hampshire at 38 percent, according to polling data cited by theguardian.com, the race could hinge on local issues and candidate viability rather than national partisan dynamics alone.
By the Numbers
79: Age of retiring Senator Jeanne Shaheen.
$4 million: Cash on hand held by Chris Pappas.
2010: Last year Republicans won a New Hampshire Senate race.
38 percent: President Trump’s approval rating in the state.
61: Age of Republican candidate John E. Sununu.
The Broader Picture
The New Hampshire Senate race reflects broader challenges facing both parties in 2026. Democrats must defend seats in states where they have held power for years, while Republicans seek to capitalize on voter dissatisfaction with federal policies and economic conditions. The outcome could influence the balance of power in Washington and shape legislative priorities for the remainder of President Trump’s term.
Kristen Cianci, a spokesperson for the Republican National Committee, did not provide additional comment beyond acknowledging the significance of the race. Both parties recognize that New Hampshire’s political landscape, characterized by independent voters and low partisan identification, makes it difficult to predict outcomes based on national trends alone.
The general election will test whether local campaigning or national headwinds prove decisive in a state that has long resisted easy categorization. For now, the primary results set the stage for what could be one of the most closely watched contests of the year.