Rep. Chris Pappas, a Democratic candidate for Senate in New Hampshire, speaks to supporters during a primary election night watch party in Manchester, N.H., on Tuesday, Sept. 8, 2026. (John Tully/The New York Times)
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Democrat Chris Pappas won New Hampshire’s open U.S. Senate race Tuesday, defeating former Republican Sen. John Sununu and keeping the seat of retiring Democratic Sen. Jeanne Shaheen in Democratic hands.
NBC News projected Pappas the winner with about 20% of the expected vote counted. Pappas had 60.6% of the vote, compared with 37.6% for Sununu. Independent Edmond Laplante had 1.8%.
Pappas, a four-term congressman, flipped a Republican-held House seat in 2018 and has represented New Hampshire’s 1st Congressional District since 2019.
Sununu previously represented New Hampshire in the Senate from 2003 to 2009. He lost his bid for reelection to Shaheen in 2008.
The race was closely watched as Democrats sought Senate gains while also defending Shaheen’s open seat. Republicans entered Election Day with a 53-47 advantage in the chamber.
Pappas’ victory also marks a historic first. He becomes the first openly gay man elected to the U.S. Senate.
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