Who Is Running for Senate in New Hampshire
Democrat Chris Pappas and Republican John E. Sununu are the major-party nominees for New Hampshire’s open U.S. Senate seat on November 3, 2026. Edmond Laplante of the Constitution Party is also on the ballot, and no incumbent is running (Ballotpedia).
Key facts
- The winner serves a six-year term, from January 3, 2027 to January 3, 2033.
- Senator Jeanne Shaheen, in office since 2009, is not running for re-election.
- Chris Pappas has represented New Hampshire’s 1st District in Congress since 2019; John E. Sununu was a U.S. senator from 2003 to 2009.
- New Hampshire voters can register at their polling place on Election Day.
Candidates for U.S. Senate in New Hampshire, November 3, 2026
Source: Ballotpedia, United States Senate election in New Hampshire, 2026
Why New Hampshire’s Senate Seat Is Open
The seat is open because Jeanne Shaheen, a Democrat in office since 2009, chose not to seek re-election. She won it in 2020 over Bryant Messner, 56.6% to 41% (Ballotpedia).
New Hampshire’s other seat is not on the ballot. Democrat Maggie Hassan holds it. Our midterm elections explainer covers the other Senate races on November 3.
New Hampshire Senate Primary Results
Chris Pappas won the Democratic primary on September 8, 2026 with 64.6% over Karishma Manzur, and John E. Sununu won the Republican primary with 68.4% over Scott Brown. These are the results Ballotpedia reports; its primary pages do not mark them certified (Ballotpedia).
- 64.6%
- Chris Pappas's share of 93,111 Democratic primary votes
- 68.4%
- John E. Sununu's share of 61,882 Republican primary votes
Pappas and Sununu Records in Public Office
Chris Pappas has served in the U.S. House since 2019, and John E. Sununu served in the U.S. Senate from 2003 to 2009 after six years in the House. Pappas earlier served in the New Hampshire House, as Hillsborough County treasurer and on the state’s Executive Council (Ballotpedia, Pappas; Ballotpedia, Sununu).
Public offices held by Chris Pappas and John E. Sununu
Source: Ballotpedia candidate pages
New Hampshire Senate Campaign Money
Through August 19, 2026, Chris Pappas‘s campaign had raised $15.4 million and John E. Sununu‘s $4.2 million, according to the Federal Election Commission. Chris Pappas had spent $11.5 million and had $4.3 million on hand; John E. Sununu had spent $1.1 million and had $3.1 million on hand (FEC, Pappas; FEC, Sununu). Those were the pre-primary reports; the next quarterly reports are due October 15, 2026.
How to Vote for Senate in New Hampshire
Your town sets the in-person deadline, between October 21 and October 28. You can also register at the polls on Election Day. Absentee voting is for voters with a reason the law lists, such as being away, a disability or a work obligation. A completed absentee ballot must reach your clerk by 5:00 p.m. on November 3, 2026 (RSA 657:1; RSA 657:22). Check your registration and polling place with the Secretary of State’s voter lookup.
New Hampshire's 2026 Senate election, step by step
- October 21 to 28, 2026 Town registration deadlines Your town sets the date; you can still register on Election Day.
- November 2, 2026 Absentee ballot request deadline Only for voters with a reason the law lists.
- November 3, 2026 Election Day Absentee ballots are due at the clerk by 5:00 p.m..
- January 3, 2027 The new senator takes office The term runs to January 3, 2033.
New Hampshire Senate Questions
Who is running for U.S. Senate in New Hampshire in 2026?
Democrat Chris Pappas, a member of Congress, and Republican John E. Sununu, a former senator. Edmond Laplante of the Constitution Party is also on the ballot. No incumbent is running.
Is Jeanne Shaheen running for re-election?
No. Jeanne Shaheen, in office since 2009, is not seeking re-election, so the seat is open.
Who won the 2026 New Hampshire Senate primaries?
Chris Pappas won the Democratic primary with 64.6% over Karishma Manzur, and John E. Sununu won the Republican primary with 68.4% over Scott Brown, both on September 8, 2026, according to Ballotpedia.
Which John Sununu is running for Senate?
John E. Sununu, who represented New Hampshire’s 1st District in the U.S. House from 1997 to 2003 and served in the U.S. Senate from 2003 to 2009.
How much have Pappas and Sununu raised?
Through August 19, 2026, Chris Pappas had raised $15.4 million and John E. Sununu $4.2 million, according to the Federal Election Commission.
What You Can Do
- Check your registration and polling place with the Secretary of State’s voter lookup, or plan to register at the polls.
- Ask your clerk for an absentee ballot by November 2, 2026 if you qualify.
- Read both campaigns’ filings on the Federal Election Commission’s pages for Pappas and Sununu.
- Contact your current senators, Jeanne Shaheen and Maggie Hassan, about the votes coming up in Congress. Our letter-writing guide shows how.
- Read the rest of your ballot on the New Hampshire state page, including the governor race.