Overview
- Multiple polls and market trackers show Democratic Rep. Chris Pappas ahead by a mid‑single‑digit margin in the closing week of the campaign.
- The candidates traded sharp attacks in a Wednesday night debate that centered on President Trump, rising household costs, Social Security and the war in Iran.
- Pappas has run on affordability, healthcare and opposing tariffs that he says hurt New Hampshire small businesses and families, and he has drawn high‑profile Democratic surrogates and LGBTQ endorsements.
- John E. Sununu has leaned on retail campaigning and his family name while publicly distancing himself from the president to try to win moderate voters.
- The outcome on Nov. 3 matters nationally because the open seat replacing Jeanne Shaheen would affect Senate control and could make history if Pappas becomes the first openly gay man elected to the U.S. Senate.