SENATE RACE
New Hampshire
CANDIDATES
Chris Pappas
Democrat · Challenger
49.0%
538
vs.
John E. Sununu
Republican · Challenger
44.2%
538
Rep. Chris Pappas brings a moderate, business-friendly Democratic profile to New Hampshire's open Senate seat (Shaheen retiring). Former Sen. John E. Sununu attempts a comeback, positioning himself as a fiscal conservative in a state with no income or sales tax. New Hampshire's independent streak and libertarian lean make this a swing race, but Harris's +2 margin in 2024 and the state's suburban-educated electorate give Pappas a structural edge. Scott Brown adds uncertainty to the R primary.
OUTSIDE SPENDING
Pro-D $3.2M
Pro-R $3.8M
Both parties testing messaging ahead of late primary
RECENT POLLS
| Pollster | Date | D% | R% | Spread |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| UNH | 2026-03-12 | 49 | 43 | D+6 |
| Emerson | 2026-02-28 | 48 | 45 | D+3 |
| SurveyUSA | 2026-02-10 | 50 | 42 | D+8 |
KEY ISSUES
| Issue / Topic | Democrat | Republican |
|---|---|---|
| Economy | Middle-class tax relief, prescription costs | Tax cuts, fiscal restraint |
| Healthcare | ACA expansion, drug pricing reform | Market-based reforms |
| Opioid Crisis | Treatment funding, Medicaid expansion | Border enforcement, treatment access |
CAMPAIGN FINANCE · FEC
Chris Pappas
- Raised
- $5.7M
- Spent
- $2.8M
- Cash on Hand
- $3.1M
- Small Donors
- 42%
- PAC / Super PAC
- $1.4M
CAMPAIGN FINANCE · FEC
John E. Sununu
- Raised
- $4.9M
- Spent
- $2.5M
- Cash on Hand
- $2.6M
- Small Donors
- 20%
- PAC / Super PAC
- $2.2M
DEMOGRAPHICS · CENSUS
- Population
- 1.40M
- Median Household Income
- $88,235
- White Non-Hispanic
- 89.0%
- Black
- 1.8%
- Hispanic / Latino
- 4.3%
- College Educated (25+)
- 38.3%
- Union Membership
- 9.8%
ELECTION INFO
- Election Date
- November 3, 2026
- Primary Date
- September 8, 2026
- Term Length
- 6 years (Class II)
- Voter Registration Deadline
- Same-day registration available
- Early Voting
- Yes, absentee voting available