New Hampshire’s state primary Tuesday will determine nominees for a competitive U.S. Senate race and other federal and state offices. The election takes place as Democrats seek to regain control of the U.S. Senate, with analysts saying a net gain of four seats is needed for the party to retake the chamber. The seat is being vacated by retiring three-term Democratic U.S. Sen. Jeanne Shaheen.
On the Republican side, eight candidates are competing for the nomination, including former U.S. Sens. John Sununu and Scott Brown. Sununu previously held the seat from 2003 to 2009 before losing to Shaheen, while Brown moved to New Hampshire after unsuccessful bids in Massachusetts and against Shaheen in 2014. President Trump has endorsed Sununu despite a history of criticism from the Sununu family toward the president. Sununu has outraised Brown financially, with approximately $3 million remaining in his campaign account as of Aug. 19, compared to roughly $417,000 for Brown. Americans for Prosperity Action, a conservative super PAC, has spent at least $3.3 million supporting Sununu since June 30.
The Democratic primary features U.S. Rep. Chris Pappas, who has served in the House since 2019, facing a challenge from Karishma Manzur, a progressive activist and member of the Democratic Socialists of America. Pappas maintains substantial leads in both polling and fundraising, with over $4.3 million in his campaign account as of Aug. 19, though university polling shows Manzur has gained ground over the summer. Pappas has secured endorsements from state Democratic leaders and former Vice President Kamala Harris.
Additional competitive primaries are underway for the 1st Congressional District seat Pappas is vacating, with seven active Democratic candidates and three Republican candidates. Republican Gov. Kelly Ayotte faces minimal opposition in her renomination bid for a second term.
As of Aug. 3, approximately 899,000 voters were registered in New Hampshire, including about 300,000 Republicans, 247,000 Democrats, and roughly 352,000 undeclared voters. Most polling locations close at 7 p.m. ET, though some close at 7:30 p.m. or 8 p.m. ET.
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