Voters across New Hampshire are casting ballots Tuesday in a closely watched Senate race between Democratic Rep. Chris Pappas and Republican former Sen. John E. Sununu. The contest will determine who succeeds retiring Sen. Jeanne Shaheen (D), whose seat has become a top target for Republicans as they look to expand their narrow Senate majority.
Polls close at 7 p.m. and 8 p.m. EST, with results expected to trickle in throughout the evening. Political analysts have rated the race as a toss-up, with both campaigns pouring resources into the state in the final weeks.
Pappas, a three-term congressman from the Granite State's 1st District, has campaigned on protecting Social Security and Medicare, expanding affordable healthcare, and defending abortion rights. He has emphasized his record of bipartisan work in the House and his deep roots in Manchester, where his family ran a well-known restaurant.
Sununu, who served one term in the Senate from 2003 to 2009, is seeking a political comeback. He has focused his campaign on the economy, border security, and energy independence, arguing that his experience in Washington and as a businessman makes him the right choice to address rising costs. He has also distanced himself from some of the more controversial positions of his party's national leaders.
The race has drawn national attention, with outside groups spending heavily on both sides. Republicans see an opportunity to flip a seat in a state that has trended Democratic in recent presidential elections but has a history of electing moderate Republicans. Democrats, meanwhile, are counting on strong turnout in the state's more populous southern counties to keep the seat in their column.
One factor that could influence the outcome is the state's gubernatorial race, which is also on the ballot. The open governor's contest between Republican Kelly Ayotte and Democrat Joyce Craig is expected to drive turnout, and both parties are hoping for coattails.
Election officials have been preparing for a smooth voting process, but there have been concerns about potential disruptions. The Justice Department has deployed election monitors to New Hampshire and other states to ensure compliance with federal voting laws. Additionally, recent incidents involving suspicious mailings to election offices have heightened security awareness.
As results come in, the outcome of this race will be a key indicator of the national political climate. Republicans are defending a slim majority, and a win here would bolster their chances of holding the chamber. Democrats need to hold this seat to have any realistic path to retaking the Senate.
Both candidates have made their final pitches to voters, with Pappas stressing his commitment to working across the aisle and Sununu touting his record of fiscal conservatism. The race is expected to be decided by a narrow margin, and it may take several hours before a clear winner emerges.
Stay tuned for live updates and analysis as the votes are counted.
