Establishment candidates secure nominations following Tuesday victories
Democratic U.S. Rep. Chris Pappas and Republican former U.S. Sen. John E. Sununu are advancing to the general election after winning their respective primary races in New Hampshire on Tuesday. The Associated Press projected both candidates' victories shortly after 8 p.m., setting the stage for a high-stakes, costly battle for the open U.S. Senate seat vacated by retiring Sen. Jeanne Shaheen.
Sununu defeated former Massachusetts U.S. Sen. Scott Brown, who ran to Sununu's right and sought alignment with President Donald Trump, though Trump ultimately endorsed Sununu in February. Pappas secured his nomination by besting progressive medical scientist Karishma Manzur.
Following their primary wins, both establishment candidates turned their focus immediately to affordability and the cost of living. In a post-victory statement, Sununu emphasized economic issues, jobs, and government accountability, proposing measures such as term limits and cutting congressional pay during government shutdowns. Pappas echoed similar themes during his Tuesday night victory speech, pointing to high gas and grocery prices, healthcare subsidies, and tariffs while criticizing national economic conditions.
With polls indicating a tight contest, the New Hampshire Senate race is drawing national attention as a critical matchup that could influence the balance of power in the U.S. Senate.
