Democrat Chris Pappas says "we

Washington — Democratic Rep. Chris Pappas, who's running to represent New Hampshire in the Senate, said on Sunday that "we're taking nothing for granted" as Election Day approaches, amid a "tough race" in the Granite State.
Pappas, who's represented New Hampshire in the House since 2019, is facing off against former GOP Sen. John Sununu in a race that could be key to determining which party controls the Senate. And although Republicans have been eyeing a possible opportunity to flip the seat, after Democratic Sen. Jeanne Shaheen announced she wouldn't seek reelection, CBS News rates New Hampshire as leaning Democrat.
Pappas noted that the 2016 Senate race in New Hampshire came down to just over 1,000 votes, and acknowledged how his opponent's family has been dominant in Granite State politics.
Sununu, the son of former Gov. John H. Sununu and brother of former Gov. Chris Sununu, represented New Hampshire in the House and Senate until he lost his reelection bid to Shaheen in 2008. And with a record of breaking with President Trump, he's distanced himself from the president as he campaigns to return to the upper chamber amid an unpopular war with Iran and high gas prices.
But Pappas tied Sununu's campaign to the president's agenda more broadly, and positioned the contest as a larger fight for the Senate majority.
Asked about Democrats' priorities should they win control of the House and Senate, Pappas said "we have to focus like a laser on the economic challenges that people are living right now."
On immigration enforcement, Pappas has emphasized the need for reforms, while other Democrats have called for Immigration and Customs Enforcement to be disbanded entirely.
Trump promised to lower prices for Americans. Here's what the data shows.
Obama throws support behind Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro's reelection bid
Arizona congressional candidate reports rape while repairing campaign signs
House candidate who reported rape on campaign trail details why she came forward
Transcript: Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin on "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan," Oct. 11, 2026
Dive deeper
- Washington — Democratic Rep. Chris Pappas, who's running to represent New Hampshire in the Senate, said on Sunday that "we're taking nothing for granted" as Election Day approaches, amid a "tough race" in the Granite State.
- Pappas, who's represented New Hampshire in the House since 2019, is facing off against former GOP Sen. John Sununu in a race that could be key to determining which party controls the Senate. And although Republicans have been eyeing a possi
- Pappas noted that the 2016 Senate race in New Hampshire came down to just over 1,000 votes, and acknowledged how his opponent's family has been dominant in Granite State politics.
- Sununu, the son of former Gov. John H. Sununu and brother of former Gov. Chris Sununu, represented New Hampshire in the House and Senate until he lost his reelection bid to Shaheen in 2008. And with a record of breaking with President Trump
- But Pappas tied Sununu's campaign to the president's agenda more broadly, and positioned the contest as a larger fight for the Senate majority.