New Hampshire voters headed to the polls Tuesday to decide crucial Senate and Congressional primary races, including a notable challenge to establishment Democratic Rep. Chris Pappas from a socialist-aligned candidate and a GOP battle for Donald Trump's endorsement.
The Democratic Senate primary saw Rep. Chris Pappas, a four-term incumbent, facing Karishma Manzur, a scientist and nonprofit leader with ties to the Democratic Socialists of America. Manzur, once a longshot, gained traction in recent weeks, framing the race as a ideological contest for the future of the Democratic Party.
Manzur has been critical of Pappas's record, accusing him of being out of touch with New Hampshire voters and beholden to corporate donors and pro-Israel lobbies. She advocates for policies such as universal healthcare, raising the minimum wage to $20 per hour, abolishing ICE, and ending military aid to Israel. Pappas, who has held the seat since 2018, has emphasized his fight against big money in politics and his appeal to pragmatic voters across the political spectrum. He has defended his stance on Israel, calling it a historic U.S. ally while expressing disagreements with the current Israeli government.
The winner of the Democratic primary will face either John E. Sununu or Scott Brown, who are competing for the Republican nomination to succeed retiring Democratic Sen. Jeanne Shaheen. Republicans have not won a Senate election in New Hampshire in 16 years, making this open seat a key target in their bid to retain Senate control.
In the Republican Senate primary, Trump's endorsement played a significant role. Trump backed John E. Sununu, a former senator and vocal critic of Trump, over Scott Brown, another former senator. Brown has accused Sununu of being embarrassed by Trump's endorsement and beholden to party leadership, while Sununu has emphasized his focus on New Hampshire voters and local issues, downplaying the need for outside campaigning.
Elsewhere on the ballot, multiple Congressional races were also being decided. In New Hampshire's 1st Congressional District, Stefany Shaheen, daughter of Sen. Jeanne Shaheen, faced progressive contender Carleigh Beriont and Maura Sullivan for the Democratic nomination. On the Republican side, businessman Anthony DiLorenzo, backed by Trump, was a frontrunner against Hollie Noveletsky and State Rep. Brian Cole.
In the 2nd Congressional District, first-term Democratic Rep. Maggie Goodlander faced a primary challenge from the left by state Rep. Paige Beauchemin. Lily Tang Williams, a former Colorado Libertarian Party chair, was leading the Republican primary.
Republican Gov. Kelly Ayotte sought a second term unopposed in the gubernatorial primary, while Cinde Warmington was unopposed for the Democratic gubernatorial nomination.