The Fox News Decision Desk has projected Democratic Representative Chris Pappas as the winner over former Republican Senator John E. Sununu in New Hampshire’s tightly contested Senate race. With 19.18% of votes counted, Pappas secured 60.6% while Sununu garnered 37.61%.
Pappas will replace retiring Senator Jeanne Shaheen, marking a significant win for the Democratic Party in their efforts to regain Senate control from Republicans in the midterm elections. Pappas, a four-term member of Congress, is seen as a crucial figure in maintaining the Democratic hold in this swing state.
Despite President Donald Trump endorsing Sununu, he sought to distance himself from Trump’s influence. Sununu, who hoped to return to the Senate after 18 years, criticized Pappas for his alleged ineffectiveness during his tenure. He claimed Pappas has not delivered results for New Hampshire and accused him of being a “rubber stamp for the far left.”
Pappas countered these claims by emphasizing his bipartisan efforts, including working on fentanyl scheduling to address drug cartels. He also noted his independence by challenging President Joe Biden on border issues.
In addition to his political career, Pappas is a co-owner of the renowned Puritan Backroom restaurant, a family business in Manchester known for its chicken tenders and popularity among politicians. Before Congress, Pappas served on New Hampshire’s Executive Council.
Pappas defeated a far-left opponent in the primary race, securing the Democratic nomination decisively. Throughout the campaign, he and fellow Democrats consistently linked Sununu to Trump’s waning approval ratings.
Sununu, highlighting his focus on New Hampshire and a “strong independent voice” in Washington, claimed the election was about ensuring leadership that would benefit the state and the country. Sununu previously served six years in the U.S. House and was elected to the Senate in 2002, defeating then-Governor Jeanne Shaheen. However, he lost the 2008 rematch against her.
Sununu enjoyed significant name recognition owing to his family’s political lineage; his father was a former governor and White House chief of staff, and his brother, Chris Sununu, served as governor of New Hampshire for eight years.
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