Democrat Chris Pappas has defeated Republican John Sununu to become the first openly gay male senator in U.S. history, securing a victory in New Hampshire. Pappas's win continues the Democratic Party's recent success in the Granite State.
The race was to succeed three-term Democratic Sen. Jeanne Shaheen, who is retiring. Pappas, 46, had been considered the frontrunner, but national Democrats increased their financial support as polling tightened in the latter stages of the campaign.
Sununu, 62, is part of a prominent New Hampshire political family, with his father and brother both serving as governors. He faced national political headwinds that included concerns about affordability, President Trump's approval ratings, high gas prices, and unease over the conflict in Iran. In campaign ads, Sununu sought to distance himself from Trump, stating he had never met the former president and had once called him a "loser."
Pappas, a Harvard graduate and part-owner of the Puritan Backroom restaurant in Manchester, campaigned with national Democratic figures such as former Vice President Kamala Harris and California Gov. Gavin Newsom. Sununu focused on grassroots campaigning, engaging directly with voters in town-to-town appearances.
Despite Republican strength in New Hampshire's state government, the party has struggled in federal elections. The state has not supported a Republican presidential candidate since 2000, elected a Republican to the Senate since 2010, or returned a GOP congressman since 2014.