Chris Pappas Wins New Hampshire Senate Seat

Democratic Congressman Chris Pappas won the United States Senate race in New Hampshire on Tuesday, defeating Republican former senator John Sununu. Pappas succeeds retiring Democratic senator Jeanne Shaheen and becomes the first openly gay man to serve in the U.S. Senate.

The campaign focused heavily on the unpopularity of the Trump administration, specifically regarding Medicaid cuts and the war against Iran, which contributed to rising energy and gasoline prices. Pappas, a four-term representative and chair of the Congressional Equality Caucus, centered his strategy on portraying Sununu as a rubber stamp for President Donald Trump's agenda.

Sununu attempted to distance himself from the president, claiming in an advertisement that he had "never met" Trump and previously calling him a "loser." He also highlighted his opposition to the administration's trade war with Canada. Despite these efforts, Pappas maintained a narrow lead in polling and secured the victory, preventing a Republican pickup in a state where the GOP has struggled in federal races despite controlling the governorship and legislature.