Dems, GOP go with safer bets in NH Senate primaries: 3 takeaways

New Hampshire voters on both sides of the aisle made the safer bet Sept. 8 in what could be a quietly consequential battle for the U.S. Senate this fall.

Within minutes of the polls closing, results were called for the Democratic and Republican nominations for Senate, which easily went to Rep. Chris Pappas and former Sen. John E. Sununu, respectively.

The GOP is hoping to fortify their 53-47 Senate majority against a forecasted "blue wave" in the 2026 midterms and many believe one of their best options is in the Granite State, where retiring Democratic incumbent Jeanne Shaheen has left a purple state wide open.

Recruiting Sununu was a big get for the GOP, which is promising to spend $17 million in the state this year to flip the seat. He comes from a popular family in the state and served in the Senate previously, having defeated Jeanne Shaheen in 2002 before losing their rematch six years later.

"We need to shake up Washington with real reform," Sununun said during his victory speech Tuesday.

Pappas alluded to Democratic anxiety about the race during his speech, saying it will be a tough contest over the next eight weeks that will require…

Original source: https://www.usatoday.com/news/nation/