Image Source: NBC News
New Hampshire primary election results have set up a closely watched Senate contest for November, with former Sen. John Sununu projected to win the Republican nomination and Rep. Chris Pappas projected to capture the Democratic nomination.
The results mark the next major stage in the race for New Hampshire’s open Senate seat. Democratic Sen. Jeanne Shaheen’s retirement after three terms created the vacancy and drew prominent candidates from both parties into the contest.
New Hampshire Primary Election Results Set November Matchup
On the Republican side, John Sununu was projected to defeat former Massachusetts Sen. Scott Brown. With about 84% of expected votes in, Sununu held approximately 68.5% of the vote, compared with 26.7% for Brown. Sky Danley was in third place with about 1.1%.
Sununu previously served in the U.S. Senate from 2003 to 2009. His return to the political spotlight gives Republicans a well-known candidate with a strong connection to New Hampshire’s political establishment.
Chris Pappas was projected to win the Democratic primary over democratic socialist Karishma Manzur. With roughly 87.8% of expected votes reported, Pappas had about 65% of the vote, while Manzur received approximately 32.8%. David Jarvis was far behind with less than 1%.
Why the Senate Race Matters
The November matchup will place two experienced candidates with different political profiles against each other. Pappas, a member of the U.S. House, has built a record as a pragmatic Democrat and has represented New Hampshire in Congress. Sununu, meanwhile, is a former senator seeking a return to Washington after years away from Capitol Hill.
The contest could become one of the most competitive Senate races of the 2026 election cycle. Control of the Senate may depend on a small number of closely divided states, making New Hampshire especially important to both national parties.
- Republican nominee: John Sununu
- Democratic nominee: Chris Pappas
- Retiring senator: Jeanne Shaheen
- General election: November 2026
Primary Campaign Highlighted Party Divisions
The Democratic primary also offered a clear look at the debate within the party. Pappas entered the race as the more established candidate, while Manzur presented a progressive challenge and described herself as a democratic socialist. Her campaign sought to mobilize voters looking for a sharper break from traditional Democratic politics.
The Republican primary featured its own contrast. Sununu’s political experience and New Hampshire ties helped him build a significant advantage over Brown, who also had a Senate background. The margin suggested that Republican voters preferred Sununu’s established presence as the campaign moved toward the general election.
Although the statewide results were decisive, local returns showed some variation. Township-level results gave voters a closer look at how support was distributed across New Hampshire communities. NBC News projected the winners using vote data from the Associated Press and information collected by its Decision Desk.
What Happens Next in New Hampshire?
With the primary contests decided, Sununu and Pappas will now turn toward the general election. Both candidates are expected to focus on issues likely to shape the state’s political debate, including the economy, health care, federal spending, immigration and the future balance of power in Washington.
Pappas used his victory speech to question whether voters felt they were living in President Donald Trump’s “golden age,” a reference likely to remain central to the campaign. The comment underscored how strongly national politics may influence the Senate contest.
Sununu thanked his family and supporters after his projected victory. His campaign will likely emphasize experience, state identity and Republican priorities, while Democrats are expected to frame the race as a test of whether New Hampshire will serve as a check on the Trump administration.
The latest New Hampshire primary election results provide the first clear outline of a potentially high-stakes November battle. While the nominees are now known, the broader campaign is only beginning, and both parties will be watching New Hampshire closely for signs of voter turnout and national momentum.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who won the Republican Senate primary in New Hampshire?
Former Sen. John Sununu was projected to win the Republican nomination, leading Scott Brown with approximately 68.5% of the vote to Brown’s 26.7% with most expected votes counted.
Who won the Democratic Senate primary?
Rep. Chris Pappas was projected to defeat Karishma Manzur for the Democratic nomination. Pappas received about 65% of the vote, compared with approximately 32.8% for Manzur.
Why was the New Hampshire Senate seat open?
The seat became open after Democratic Sen. Jeanne Shaheen announced her retirement following three terms in the Senate.
When will Sununu and Pappas face each other?
John Sununu and Chris Pappas are expected to face off in the November 2026 general election.
How were the results projected?
NBC News projections were based on vote data from the Associated Press, election information from local officials and analysis by the NBC News Decision Desk.
