Sununu and Pappas win NH Senate primaries

Former Republican Senator John Sununu and Democratic Representative Chris Pappas won their respective New Hampshire primary elections. They will face off in November for the open U.S. Senate seat in a crucial race.

Voters cast their ballots for the New Hampshire State Primary Election in Manchester, New Hampshire, U.S., September 8, 2026. REUTERS/Kacey Chapman

Former Republican Senator John Sununu and Democratic Representative Chris Pappas won their respective primaries Tuesday evening in New Hampshire, setting up a high-stakes race for the United States Senate. The contest for the open seat in the northeastern state is poised to become a battleground that could determine control of the congressional chamber. Republicans currently hold a narrow 53-47 majority over Democrats in the Senate.