Pappas Wins New Hampshire Senate Seat, Becoming First Openly Gay Male Senator

Key points

• NBC News projects that Chris Pappas has defeated John Sununu in the New Hampshire Senate race.
• Pappas will become the first openly gay man to serve in the U.S. Senate.
• The seat previously held by Democrat Jeanne Shaheen, who retired after 18 years in office.
• Sununu, a former senator and son of a former governor, failed to overcome low approval ratings for President Trump.
• The win helps Democrats maintain their majority in the Senate despite Republican spending in red states.

Background

New Hampshire is a pivotal swing state that voted for Democrat Kamala Harris by only three percentage points in 2024. The state had not elected a Republican to Congress since 2010. In the lead-up to the election, Pappas secured endorsements from 57 Republicans and independents, including former Trump-endorsed candidate Don Bolduc, signaling deep dissatisfaction with the Trump agenda among moderate voters. Pappas campaigned heavily on cost-of-living issues, including healthcare and energy costs, rather than focusing on presidential impeachment. The broader 2026 midterm results show Democrats securing early wins in North Carolina, Georgia, and New Hampshire, keeping hopes for a Senate majority alive despite uncertain outcomes in Texas, Alaska, and Kansas.

Why it matters

The outcome in New Hampshire is critical for the balance of power in the U.S. Senate. By holding this seat, Democrats prevent a Republican foothold in a region that has been solidly Democratic since 2010. The victory also highlights the impact of national political sentiment on local races, as Sununu’s campaign struggled despite his name recognition due to the unpopularity of President Trump’s policies, including the Iran war and tariffs. This result contributes to the broader narrative of Democratic resilience in swing states during the 2026 midterms.

What to watch

With the New Hampshire seat secured by Democrats, attention shifts to remaining toss-up states such as Texas, Alaska, and Kansas, where final results may be delayed due to ranked-choice voting and mail ballots. The overall Senate majority will depend on these outcomes. Pappas will assume his Senate seat, replacing Jeanne Shaheen, and will be the first openly gay male senator in U.S. history. The Democratic Party will likely assess its performance in swing states to gauge its standing for future elections.