The short version
- John Sununu defeated Scott Brown to win the Republican nomination for Senate in New Hampshire.
- Sununu will face Democrat Chris Pappas in a general election viewed as pivotal for party control of the Senate.
- The former senator has attempted to distance himself from President Trump’s policies despite receiving the president’s endorsement.
John E. Sununu has secured the Republican nomination for the United States Senate in New Hampshire, defeating former Massachusetts Senator Scott Brown in Tuesday’s primary election. The victory positions Sununu as the GOP candidate in a contest that political analysts view as essential for Democrats seeking to regain control of the upper chamber. As the clear frontrunner in the Republican field, Sununu, 61, brings prior Senate experience to the race, having served one term from 2003 to 2009.
The primary result underscores the complex dynamics within the Republican Party in New Hampshire. President Donald Trump threw his support behind Sununu earlier this year, a notable endorsement given the former senator’s history of criticism toward the current administration. In a 2024 opinion piece, Sununu described Trump as a “loser” and endorsed Nikki Haley during the Republican presidential primary. Despite these past disagreements, the president’s backing appears to have solidified Sununu’s standing among party voters.
On the campaign trail, Sununu has worked to establish a distinct political identity separate from the White House. He has publicly criticized the administration’s tariff policies and urged Congress to limit executive authority. Additionally, Sununu has questioned the strategic rationale behind recent military actions in Iran, describing the decision to engage without a comprehensive plan for protecting the Strait of Hormuz as a tactical error. This approach may resonate in New Hampshire, where Trump’s approval rating currently stands at 38 percent.
Scott Brown, who represented Massachusetts before moving to New Hampshire, served as the U.S. ambassador to New Zealand and Samoa during Trump’s first term. His loss ends his bid for the Senate seat he previously held in a different state. Neither Sununu nor Brown responded to requests for comment regarding the primary outcome or their future campaign strategies.
In the general election, Sununu will face Congressman Chris Pappas, who successfully fended off a progressive challenger in the Democratic primary. Pappas advanced as most observers anticipated, setting up a closely watched matchup that could determine the balance of power in Washington. The Republican National Committee has expressed confidence in Sununu’s prospects, with spokesperson Kristen Cianci describing him as a strong candidate well-positioned to defeat Pappas.
The RNC emphasized that Republicans remain focused on issues such as affordability and national security, contrasting their approach with what they characterized as Democratic infighting. This narrative aims to mobilize conservative voters in a state where the Republican Party controls the legislature but has not won a Senate race since 2010. That year, Kelly Ayotte, who now serves as governor, captured the seat for the GOP.
Despite the structural advantages held by Republicans in New Hampshire’s government, some Democratic strategists view the state as a potential sleeper risk. The last time a Republican won the Senate race there was over a decade ago, suggesting that while the party holds local power, it may face challenges in statewide contests. The upcoming general election will test whether Sununu can leverage his experience and the president’s endorsement to overcome these historical trends.
The outcome of this race carries significant implications for national politics. If Democrats lose New Hampshire, their ability to flip the Senate becomes considerably more difficult. Conversely, a victory for Pappas would bolster Democratic hopes of maintaining or expanding their majority. As both campaigns prepare for the fall general election, voters will likely weigh Sununu’s independence from Trump against his party affiliation and Pappas’s record as an incumbent congressman.
Political observers note that New Hampshire has become a bellwether for broader national trends in Senate races. The state’s electorate tends to be independent-minded, often rejecting candidates who are too closely aligned with extreme positions on either side of the aisle. Sununu’s strategy of criticizing Trump while maintaining his Republican credentials reflects an attempt to navigate this delicate political landscape.
With the primary concluded, attention now shifts to the general election campaign. Both candidates will need to address key issues facing New Hampshire residents, including economic concerns and national security questions. The race is expected to be competitive, with both sides investing significant resources to sway undecided voters in a state that could ultimately decide the fate of Senate control.
Sources behind this briefing
Go to the original reporting
- The Guardian US Politics↗Trump-backed John Sununu wins New Hampshire Republican Senate primary
