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Chris Pappas wins New Hampshire 2026 Senate election
CBS News • • general
Key Points:
- Democratic Rep. Chris Pappas won the New Hampshire Senate race, defeating former GOP Sen. John Sununu and maintaining Democratic control of the seat after Sen. Jeanne Shaheen's retirement.
- Pappas, a member of the bipartisan Problem Solvers Caucus, campaigned as an independent voice for New Hampshire against Sununu, who has strong family name recognition in the state.
- John Sununu, son and brother of former New Hampshire governors, sought a Senate comeback but was unable to overcome Republican challenges amid national headwinds and his efforts to distance himself from former President Trump.
- The seat was a key target for Republicans aiming to flip it, but New Hampshire has not elected a Republican senator since 2010, and Democrats' hold on the seat strengthens their position in the Senate.
- Pappas' victory is significant for Democrats as they pursue potential gains in other Senate races to secure a majority.
