Sununu vs. Pappas: The 2026 New Hampshire Senate Showdown

On Tuesday night the political lights of New Hampshire dimmed just a little as the state’s two major parties officially named their candidates for the U.S. Senate race that will decide the state’s next Washington voice. The Associated Press was quick to call the contests – John E. Sununu for the Republicans and Chris Pappas for the Democrats – once the final precincts reported.

Sununu, a former U.S. senator who once chaired the Senate Armed Services Committee, entered the race with a comfortable lead in most polls. He smiled, shook hands, and even paused to thank the volunteers who’d been slogging through canvassing and late‑night phone banks. “It’s been a really, really fun journey,” Sununu said, his voice carrying a mix of pride and the weariness of a long campaign.

Across the aisle, Pappas, the Manchester‑born congressman serving his fourth term in the House, celebrated his primary win with a modest crowd in the state capital. He spoke about tariffs, gas prices, the war in Ukraine, and health‑care reform – the issues that dominate his district’s headlines. “I represent half the state in Congress,” he told the audience, “and I’m fighting for a fair economy, middle‑class investment, and an end to Washington’s corruption.”

Both candidates tried to humanize themselves beyond the political talk. Pappas reminded listeners that many know him as a local business owner who still greets neighbors at the corner store. Sununu, meanwhile, referenced the “New Hampshire way” of taking a breath, stepping back, and, when the dust settles, finding common ground.

The race is shaping up to be more than just a partisan showdown. New Hampshire’s electorate is famously independent, and voters will be watching closely to see who can blend experience with fresh ideas. Sununu brings the gravitas of a former senator, while Pappas offers a more grassroots, community‑focused perspective.

As the November election approaches, both campaigns are already pulling out larger ads, hitting the road for town halls, and trying to answer the one question on every voter’s mind: which candidate will best protect New Hampshire’s interests in a Capitol that feels increasingly distant?