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

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.