POLITICS

New Hampshire voters pick nominees as Sen. Shaheen’s exit sparks a scramble for key seats

PUBLISHED Sep 8, 2026, 12:21 PM ET

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New Hampshire voters pick nominees as Sen. Shaheen’s exit sparks a scramble for key seats

Media Bias Meter

Sources: 14

Left 50%

Center 43%

Right 7%

Sources: 14

New Hampshire voters went to the polls Tuesday to choose nominees for an open U.S. Senate seat, two House races, governor and hundreds of legislative seats across the state. The Senate vacancy followed Democratic Sen. Jeanne Shaheen’s decision not to seek reelection after three terms. Republican former senators John E. Sununu and Scott Brown are among eight GOP candidates seeking the nomination, while Democratic Rep. Chris Pappas is competing against four others, including progressive Karishma Manzur. Pappas is leaving his 1st Congressional District seat, producing crowded Democratic and Republican primaries there, including races involving Stefany Shaheen and Maura Sullivan. Rep. Maggie Goodlander faces a Democratic primary challenger in the 2nd District. Republican Gov. Kelly Ayotte is also seeking renomination. New Hampshire’s Secretary of State expects strong but not record turnout. The primary winners advance to the November 3 general election, which could help determine control of Congress and state government.

By Sarah Whitman | JQJO News

Timeline of Events

On March 12, 2025, Shaheen announced retirement, opening Senate seat.
On April 3, 2025, Pappas launched his campaign for Senate.
On June 25, 2025, Brown announced Senate bid in NH.
On October 22, 2025, Sununu launched his Senate comeback campaign.
On June 3, 2026, New Hampshire opened primary candidate filing.
On June 12, 2026, candidate filing closed for primaries statewide.
On August 26, 2026, UNH polling showed Sununu leading Brown.
On September 3, 2026, NHPR highlighted attention around Senate primary.
On September 7, 2026, Reuters reported Manzur narrowing Pappas advantage.
On September 8, 2026, New Hampshire voters began primary voting.
On September 8, 2026, polls remained open before vote counting.
On November 3, 2026, primary winners will face voters statewide.

News Intelligence

Immediate US impact: New Hampshire voters determine nominees in a closely watched battleground.
Possible long-term US impact: November winners could influence Senate control and congressional balance nationwide.
Reader priority: Readers should compare official results, polling methods, and reported developments.
Most Affected: New Hampshire voters, candidates, parties, campaigns, and leaders face consequences.

Media Bias

Articles Published:: 14
Right Leaning:: 1
Left Leaning:: 7
Neutral:: 6

Explain Framing

Left: Coverage emphasizes Democratic Senate control risks and progressive primary momentum. Center: Coverage emphasizes candidates, election mechanics, polling, timelines, and verified race developments. Right: Coverage emphasizes Republican opportunities, Trump endorsements, and Democratic vulnerabilities.