New Hampshire voters have only ten campaign days left before they head to the polls for the open U.S. Senate seat. Republican former Congressman John E. Sununu and Democratic Representative Chris Pappas met with WMUR’s “CloseUp” program on Friday to make their final case to the state’s electorate.
Sununu stresses independence and New Hampshire priorities
Sununu framed his candidacy around political independence, pointing to moments when he has broken with his party on issues that affect New Hampshire. He warned that, “If President Trump pushes policies that are bad for New Hampshire, like the trade war with Canada, I’ll stand up and say this is wrong for our state. I won’t support it.” The Republican also highlighted his experience on Capitol Hill, arguing that he can deliver more concrete results for the Granite State than his opponent.
“Chris has attempted very little and accomplished even less,” Sununu said, challenging the Democrat to name a single piece of legislation he passed. He added that the only bills Sununu could recall were naming a few post offices.
Pappas leans on Trump endorsement and transportation record
Democrat Chris Pappas countered that Sununu’s late‑stage distancing from President Trump is “too little, too late.” He reminded viewers that President Trump has given Sununu his “complete and total endorsement” and reiterated that support just yesterday.
Pappas also turned the discussion to transportation funding, a longtime focus of his work on the House Transportation Committee. He argued that New Hampshire has been disadvantaged by the federal formula and that his legislation would increase the share of transportation dollars going to smaller states. “We’ve been historically disadvantaged in the formula. I’ve been fighting to change it for more than 20 years,” Pappas said, adding that his plan would create good‑paying jobs and build an intermodal system for the future.
Both candidates address Medicaid and state needs
Sununu said his priorities include securing funding for both transportation and Medicaid, stating, “Here’s what New Hampshire needs. We need funding for transportation or funding for Medicaid.” He emphasized that his approach would be rooted in practical, bipartisan solutions rather than partisan rhetoric.
Pappas, meanwhile, highlighted his record of securing federal resources for the state, arguing that his experience on the Transportation Committee positions him to deliver tangible benefits to New Hampshire families.
What voters should consider
As the race tightens, New Hampshire voters are asked to weigh experience against party alignment, and to consider how each candidate’s vision aligns with the values of traditional families, faith‑based communities and individual liberty. Sununu’s pledge to oppose any Trump‑backed policy he deems harmful to the state, coupled with his promise to bring more transportation dollars, offers a clear contrast to Pappas’s emphasis on his legislative track record and the backing of President Trump.
With the ballot looming, both campaigns will continue to tour the state, meet with voters and sharpen their messages on the issues that matter most to New Hampshire families.
Original reporting: WMUR (Hearst) – local news — read the source article.
