Democratic Rep. Chris Pappas has defeated Republican former Sen. John E. Sununu in New Hampshire’s U.S. Senate race, according to a projection by the Associated Press. The AP called the race at 8:25 p.m. ET on November 3, keeping the seat vacated by retiring Democratic Sen. Jeanne Shaheen in Democratic hands.

Pappas, who has represented New Hampshire’s 1st Congressional District since 2019, campaigned on lowering costs for families, protecting access to healthcare and serving as an independent voice for the state. He sought to portray Sununu as aligned with President Donald Trump and the national Republican agenda.

Sununu previously represented New Hampshire in the U.S. Senate from 2003 to 2009 and served in the House before that. The son of former Gov. John H. Sununu and brother of former Gov. Chris Sununu, he sought a return to the Senate by emphasizing his experience in Washington and promising to challenge members of his own party when he disagreed with them.

The contest drew significant national attention because Republicans viewed the open seat as an opportunity to expand their Senate majority. Shaheen announced she would not seek another term, creating a competitive race in a state that has frequently supported Democrats in federal elections but also elects Republicans to statewide office.

The campaigns focused on economic pressures, healthcare, federal spending and the direction of the country under Trump’s second administration. Pappas pledged to oppose policies he believed would hurt New Hampshire residents, while Sununu emphasized his record in the Senate and argued that he would bring experience and independence to the office.

Republican groups spent heavily in the closing weeks of the campaign, seeking to prevent Democrats from holding the seat. The race also attracted national political figures and outside organizations because its outcome could affect the balance of power in the Senate.

Pappas’ victory preserves the Democratic seat previously held by Shaheen and ends Sununu’s bid to return to the chamber. The result is one of the closely watched Senate outcomes of the 2026 midterm elections.