Democratic Rep. Chris Pappas and Republican John E. Sununu are competing for New Hampshire’s open U.S. Senate seat in the Nov. 3 general election, a contest that could help determine whether Democrats regain control of the chamber.
The seat is opening after Democratic Sen. Jeanne Shaheen, who was first elected in 2008 and previously served as governor, announced in 2025 that she would not seek a fourth term. The election will also decide New Hampshire’s two seats in the U.S. House of Representatives.
An open seat after 18 years
Pappas, who has represented New Hampshire in the House since 2019, would become the first openly gay U.S. senator if elected. Sununu has served in both chambers of Congress and previously held the Senate seat before losing to Shaheen in the 2008 election.
Sununu is part of a prominent New Hampshire political family. His father and brother both served as governors of the state. The family connection and Sununu’s previous congressional service have given him established name recognition as he seeks a return to the Senate.
The candidates have made housing affordability a central issue as housing costs have increased in New Hampshire. Both also have sought to distinguish themselves from their respective national parties during the campaign. President Donald Trump endorsed Sununu in February.
Money and the Senate balance
Pappas had raised more than $23.7 million by mid-October, compared with $5.7 million for Sununu, according to the figures cited in the election analysis. Outside groups have spent tens of millions of dollars in the contest, with more of that spending directed against Pappas than against Sununu.
- Jeanne Shaheen’s Senate seat is open after she decided not to seek a fourth term.
- Chris Pappas has represented New Hampshire in the U.S. House since 2019.
- John E. Sununu previously served in the Senate and lost the seat to Shaheen in 2008.
New Hampshire is one of several states where the Senate contest could affect the chamber’s balance after the midterm elections. The state’s governor’s race and legislative contests also will determine whether Republicans retain control of the governorship and both chambers of the General Court.
New Hampshire voters are scheduled to choose between Pappas and Sununu on Nov. 3, along with candidates for the state’s two House seats. The Senate campaign has drawn national attention because of the open seat, the candidates’ fundraising totals and the possibility that the result will contribute to the national fight over Senate control.
