Pappas Enters US Senate Race in New Hampshire

Congressman Chris Pappas officially entered the race for the U.S. Senate in New Hampshire on June 8, 2026. Pappas, a four-term congressman, is seeking the open seat vacated by retiring Democratic Senator Jeanne Shaheen. He faces a competitive field including Republicans John E. Sununu and Scott Brown, according to reporting from WCAX.

Pappas filed his candidacy at the Statehouse in Concord on June 8, 2026, where he was joined by supporters. During the filing, he emphasized a platform of bipartisanship and moderation to address the current political climate.

If you understand New Hampshire and our values, it’s about how you can meet in the middle and find solutions

Chris Pappas

Why is the New Hampshire Senate seat open?

The seat has become open because Senator Jeanne Shaheen is not seeking reelection. Shaheen has represented New Hampshire in the U.S. Senate since 2009. As a fellow Democrat, Shaheen’s retirement creates a vacancy that both parties view as a critical component of the broader struggle for Senate control.

Who are the primary contenders in the race?

While Chris Pappas is the prominent Democratic candidate, the Republican primary features two well-known figures: John E. Sununu and Scott Brown.

John E. Sununu previously served one term in the seat before losing to Shaheen. He possesses significant name recognition in the state, as both his father and brother served as New Hampshire governors. According to WCAX, Sununu currently holds a double-digit lead in the polls and has secured the endorsement of Donald Trump.

Scott Brown, a former U.S. senator for Massachusetts, is also vying for the GOP nomination. Brown previously ran for the seat in 2014 but was unsuccessful in his bid against Shaheen.

John Lappie of Plymouth State University noted a distinction in the candidates’ approaches to the Republican base. Lappie stated that Scott Brown has tried to be more overtly pro-Trump than John Sununu, but it is difficult to do that when Sununu has the president’s endorsement.

What are the political stakes for both parties?

The race is viewed as a potential pickup opportunity for the Republican Party. John Lappie of Plymouth State University explained that New Hampshire is one of the few states where Republicans could potentially gain a Senate seat while otherwise playing defense.

For Democrats, the priority is maintaining the current seat to protect their standing in Washington. Pappas has positioned himself as a contrast to his likely general election opponent, John E. Sununu, specifically regarding corporate influence and political alignments.

He stands with Donald Trump and the corporate special interests every single day of the week. This is about New Hampshire, how we can lower costs and make lives better

Chris Pappas

Pappas’s campaign is focusing on cost-of-living issues and the ability to find middle-ground solutions in a polarized environment as he seeks to succeed Shaheen.