John Sununu wins New Hampshire GOP Senate primary in bid to reclaim seat

Former Sen. John E. Sununu won the Republican Senate nomination in New Hampshire on Tuesday, defeating former Sen. Scott Brown in a primary that will shape the fight for control of the chamber in the midterm elections. Sununu now advances to a general election contest against Democratic Rep. Chris Pappas, who won his party's nomination in a separate race, according to the Associated Press.

The open seat, left by retiring Democratic Sen. Jeanne Shaheen, is one of the GOP's top targets as Republicans work to protect their slim Senate majority. Republicans have not won a Senate election in New Hampshire in 16 years, but the absence of an incumbent Democrat has made the race a key battleground. Shaheen, the first woman in U.S. history elected both governor and senator, is stepping down after a long career in the state.

Sununu, the son of former Gov. John H. Sununu and older brother of former Gov. Chris Sununu, previously served in the Senate after defeating Shaheen in 2002. He lost a rematch to her six years later. His campaign has leaned on a message of affordability, focusing on housing, health care, and energy costs, while distancing himself from Washington leadership.

President Donald Trump endorsed Sununu in February, despite Sununu's history as a critic of the president. Senate Majority Leader John Thune and the National Republican Senatorial Committee also backed his bid. Brown, who served as one of Trump's first-term ambassadors, argued during the campaign that Sununu was reluctant to embrace the president's endorsement and was too close to Senate leadership.

Brown told Fox News Digital that Sununu had many endorsements but lacked genuine support from the president's base, saying, «I've had the MAGA base and a lot of those so-called traditional Republicans for almost over a year. Johnny came lately, and he's here, and now he thinks everyone's going to just vote for him. That's not how it works. You got to go earn it.» He also accused Sununu of being beholden to outside groups and Washington insiders.

Sununu rejected that characterization, telling Fox News Digital, «I'll have one job stand up for the people of New Hampshire every single day... I don't need to make anyone in Washington happy. It's all about our state, our communities, our economy, and our small businesses.» When asked about Trump's endorsement, Sununu did not mention the president by name, instead highlighting his local support and grassroots momentum.

Asked whether he would welcome Trump on the campaign trail in the Granite State, Sununu said, «I don't need anyone from outside New Hampshire to campaign for me. I've said that from the very beginning.» He also broke with the administration on trade policy, saying, «I don't think it's the right thing to pick a trade war with Canada. They're a great trading partner for New Hampshire.»

Republicans face a difficult political environment heading into the midterms, with persistent inflation, high gas prices, and an unpopular war with Iran weighing on voters. Trump's approval ratings remain underwater, complicating the party's efforts in swing states. Sununu, who has framed his campaign around a reform agenda, said he is focused on affordability and reducing the cost of living for New Hampshire families.

Pappas, a four-term congressman, won the Democratic primary against scientist Karishma Manzur, who ran as a socialist. The general election matchup between Sununu and Pappas is expected to be one of the most closely watched Senate races in the country, with control of the chamber likely hinging on the outcome.

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Connor Quincy

Technology Reporter

Connor Quincy covers public affairs, politics, business, culture and daily news for Core Memo. The role focuses on verification, context, and clear explanations for readers.

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