Sununu Flips Anti-Incumbent Script on Pappas in New Hampshire Senate Race

Republican Senate nominee John E. Sununu is directly challenging his Democratic rival, Rep. Chris Pappas, by employing an anti-incumbent strategy in the race for the New Hampshire seat. Sununu, aiming to return to Capitol Hill after an 18-year absence, argues that Pappas, a four-term congressman, has been in Washington for eight years and "hasn't delivered for New Hampshire."

The contest is one of several key midterm elections that could determine control of the Senate. Sununu stated in an exclusive interview with Fox News Digital that Pappas "has attempted very little in Congress. He's accomplished even less."

Race Shifts to Toss-Up

Sununu's strategy comes as the Cook Political Report, a leading nonpartisan campaign handicapper, has shifted the New Hampshire Senate race rating from lean Democrat to toss-up. This move follows a similar adjustment by Inside Elections. These shifts occur despite prevailing political headwinds for the party holding power in Washington, influenced by factors such as persistent inflation and rising fuel prices.

Sununu's campaign is also benefiting from his family name, a recognized political brand in New Hampshire. His father, John E. Sununu, served as governor and White House chief of staff, and his brother, Chris Sununu, recently completed two terms as governor.

Attacks on Effectiveness

Sununu specifically criticized Pappas's tenure on the Transportation Committee, asserting that New Hampshire ranks poorly in highway funding. "His ineffectiveness is doing damage to the state because we're not getting the support we need from Washington," Sununu claimed. While New Hampshire receives lower federal funding for infrastructure compared to some states, Pappas's campaign highlighted his efforts to secure federal funding for local projects and his introduction of the Highway Fair Share Act, aimed at increasing the state's share of federal-aid highway funding.

Pappas's campaign manager, Rachel Petri, countered Sununu's accusations by listing the congressman's accomplishments, including expanding healthcare benefits for veterans, improving internet access, and securing millions for infrastructure. Petri also criticized Sununu's record, citing votes to cut Medicare, efforts to privatize Social Security, and support for tariffs.

Sununu, who previously served in the House and the Senate, emphasized his private sector experience over the past 16 years, working in tech firms, small businesses, and the ski industry. He believes this perspective is missing from Washington.

Contrasting Records and Campaign Tactics

Pappas, in a separate interview, highlighted his focus on pragmatic problem-solving for New Hampshire residents, citing efforts in healthcare access and affordable housing. However, Sununu's critique of Pappas as a do-nothing incumbent was echoed, albeit with different framing, by Pappas's primary challenger, Karishma Manzur.

Sununu secured the GOP nomination by defeating former Sen. Scott Brown, while Pappas easily won his primary. As the general election approaches, outside groups are investing heavily in the race, with Republican-aligned groups reportedly pouring millions into New Hampshire.

Pappas has warned that the race has become a toss-up, citing the influx of money from outside groups. He also accused Sununu of being backed by out-of-state special interests. In response, a Democratic-aligned super PAC has launched ads targeting Sununu's post-Senate lobbying work.

Sununu, who has received an endorsement from former President Donald Trump, has been linked to Trump by Democrats. Pappas has referred to Sununu as Trump's "hand-picked candidate." Sununu, however, has stated he has never met the former president and believes he would be a more effective voice with the current administration.