New Hampshire residents will cast their ballots Tuesday in a high‑stakes Senate primary that could shape control of the U.S. Senate during President Trump’s final term. The race pits former Republican Sen. John Sununu, who enjoys the explicit endorsement of President Trump, against former Massachusetts Sen. Scott Brown and six other GOP hopefuls.
Trump’s endorsement gives Sununu a clear advantage
President Trump has publicly thrown his support behind Sununu, emphasizing the former governor’s experience and commitment to conservative values. This endorsement follows a long‑standing rivalry between the Sununu family and the president, but the current backing marks a decisive shift in the GOP contest.
Sununu, who first won the Senate seat in 2002 before losing to Jeanne Shaheen in 2008, has raised $4.1 million for his campaign, far outpacing Brown’s $2.2 million. As of Aug. 19, Sununu reported roughly $3 million cash on hand, compared with Brown’s $417,000.
Democratic side sees veteran incumbent Chris Pappas lead
On the Democratic side, U.S. Rep. Chris Pappas, serving since 2019, is the establishment favorite. He has secured endorsements from Sen. Jeanne Shaheen, Sen. Maggie Hassan, former Gov. John Lynch, and former Vice President Kamala Harris. Pappas entered the primary with more than $15 million raised and $4.3 million in the bank, dwarfing the $415,000 raised by progressive challenger Karishma Manzur.
Manzur, a biochemistry Ph.D. and member of the Democratic Socialists of America, has gained momentum in recent UNH polls, but the financial gap remains stark.
Key numbers and voting details
New Hampshire’s voter rolls list roughly 899,000 registered voters: about 300,000 Republicans, 247,000 Democrats, and 352,000 undeclared. Primary voting is closed‑party, though undeclared voters may choose a party ballot on election day, thereby affiliating with that party.
Polls close between 7 p.m. and 8 p.m. ET, with absentee ballots comprising about 4‑5% of Republican votes and 8% of Democratic votes in recent cycles. The Secretary of State has not yet released absentee totals for Tuesday’s primary.
Why this race matters
The Senate seat currently held by retiring Democrat Jeanne Shaheen is one of several contests that could determine which party controls the chamber for the second half of President Trump’s term. Democrats need a net gain of four seats to retake the Senate, making New Hampshire a critical battleground.
Both parties are mobilizing grassroots volunteers, and the conservative‑leaning super‑PAC Americans for Prosperity Action has poured more than $3.3 million into the Sununu campaign, targeting Democratic Rep. Chris Pappas.
Local impact and next steps
Beyond the Senate race, New Hampshire voters will also select nominees for the U.S. House, governor, state legislature, and local offices. The outcomes will set the tone for the 2026 midterm elections, just 56 days away.
Voters are encouraged to verify polling locations, bring proper identification, and consider early voting options where available. As the primary results come in, the Associated Press will provide timely updates and declare winners once the vote count is conclusive.
Original reporting: Alexandria, VA News – WTOP News — read the source article.
