Pappas, Sununu will fight out to succeed Shaheen in New Hampshire Senate race

Decision Desk HQ projected that New Hampshire’s general election for the U.S. Senate will feature Rep. Chris Pappas (D-N.H.) against former Sen. John E. Sununu (R-N.H.), as both secured their parties’ nominations in primary contests. The matchup will determine who fills the seat being vacated by Sen. Jeanne Shaheen, a Democrat who is retiring.

On the Democratic side, Pappas prevailed in a five-candidate primary. Among his opponents, scientist Karishma Manzur was identified as his most significant challenger in the contest. Pappas currently serves in the U.S. House of Representatives and will now focus on the statewide general election campaign.

John E. Sununu, who previously represented New Hampshire in the Senate, won the Republican nomination and is set to be the GOP standard-bearer in the fall. The projected pairing between Pappas and Sununu sets up a rematch-style contest between a sitting member of Congress and a former senator for the Granite State’s open Senate seat.

With Shaheen stepping down, the race will be closely watched as voters decide her successor. The general election will pit two experienced, recognizable figures against one another in a contest that could draw national attention.