Democrats keep Senate seat as chris pappas wins hampshire 2026 senate election
Reported by CBS News ·
Pappas holds Democratic seat
CBS News projects that Democratic Rep. Chris Pappas defeated former GOP Sen. John Sununu in New Hampshire’s Senate race. The victory keeps the seat under Democratic control after Sen. Jeanne Shaheen retired.
Democrats are also looking to flip several other races that could shift the balance of the Senate and give them a majority. Pappas’ win preserves one of their key seats as that effort continues.
Sununu sought a return
Sununu, 62, is the son of former Gov. John H. Sununu and brother of former Gov. Chris Sununu. His family name carries significant weight in New Hampshire.
Republican headwinds persisted
Republicans had more hope for Sununu, who tried to distance himself from President Trump. That effort was not enough to overcome the broader headwinds facing the party.
Key points
- CBS News projects Chris Pappas defeated John Sununu in New Hampshire’s Senate race.
- Pappas’ victory keeps the seat in Democratic control after Jeanne Shaheen’s retirement.