Labor Day weekend marks the start of the final sprint toward the 2026 midterm elections, and New Hampshire’s open U.S. Senate seat is quickly becoming a focal point for both parties. With Sen. Jeanne Shaheen retiring, the Granite State will hold a primary on Tuesday to select each party’s candidate for the November general election.
Democratic Field
U.S. Rep. Chris Pappas, D‑N.H., has emerged as the clear front‑runner among Democrats. First elected in 2018, Pappas has built his campaign around lowering energy costs, expanding affordable health care, and making housing and groceries more affordable for families. He touts his work with Sen. Mark Kelly on a proposal to suspend the federal gas tax during the recent conflict in Iran, and he supports clean‑energy tax credits, utility assistance for veterans, and the Low‑Income Home Energy Assistance Program.
Pappas also advocates capping prescription drug prices and reversing Medicaid cuts enacted under the so‑called “One Big Beautiful Bill.” His website claims he will strengthen the Affordable Care Act by making tax credits permanent and resisting Republican attempts to slash Medicare and Medicaid funding. Additionally, he plans to expand the child tax credit and help first‑time homebuyers across the state.
Challenging Pappas from the left is scientist Karishma Manzur, who positions herself as a progressive alternative. Manzur calls for Medicare for All, a ban on corporate political donations, rent controls, and an immediate pause on new AI data center construction in New Hampshire. While her proposals aim to address corporate influence, they risk imposing costly regulations that could hurt small businesses and families.
Republican Field
On the GOP side, former U.S. Rep. John Sununu holds a sizable lead in polls. Sununu, whose brother Chris is a former governor, emphasizes his deep roots in New Hampshire politics while noting his February endorsement from President Donald Trump. He stresses a need to distance the state from excessive federal overreach, calling for Congress to reclaim powers granted to it and limit executive authority.
Sununu’s platform includes ending tariffs on building materials to spur affordable housing, expanding tax credits, and cracking down on fraud in federal benefit programs. He also supports curbing the president’s executive authority, a stance that aligns with constitutional principles of limited government.
Former Massachusetts Sen. Scott Brown trails Sununu but still draws attention for his connection to President Trump’s border policies and his pledge to cut federal spending by 10% across all agencies. Brown argues that every department should be audited to find savings, a message that resonates with fiscally‑conservative voters concerned about the rising national debt.
Fundraising Landscape
Financial disclosures show Pappas leading in fundraising with over $15 million in contributions and $4.2 million cash on hand. Sununu follows with $4.1 million contributed and $3 million cash, while Brown has raised $2.1 million and holds $416,000 cash. Manzur’s campaign is modest, with $415,000 in contributions and $103,000 cash.
Both Pappas and Sununu have received modest contributions from local businesses and political action committees, underscoring the importance of community support in this pivotal race.
What Voters Need to Know
New Hampshire voters must be aware of polling locations and hours: polls open at 11 a.m. and close no earlier than 7 p.m. on September 8. For official information, visit the New Hampshire Secretary of State’s website at sos.nh.gov. Early results will be posted on The Center Square’s election page.
This Senate race will not only determine who represents New Hampshire in Washington but also influence the broader balance of power in the U.S. Senate, making it a critical decision for voters across the state.
Original reporting: KTBS 3 (Shreveport) — read the source article.
