Establishment Dem defeats socialist challenger in crucial battleground Senate primary
Rep. Chris Pappas won the Democratic Senate nomination in New Hampshire on Tuesday, defeating first-time candidate and self-described socialist Karishma Manzur. The result matters because Democrats must hold this open seat to protect their chances of retaking the Senate majority, and the contest was one of the final flashpoints in a bruising primary season that has repeatedly pitted the party's progressive and establishment wings against each other.
Pappas is seeking to succeed retiring Senator Jeanne Shaheen and enters the general election as the clear frontrunner, backed by the party establishment and unions; Republicans have not won a Senate race in New Hampshire in 16 years but see the vacancy as a prime pickup opportunity. Manzur, a biochemist and Democratic Socialists of America member, campaigned on universal healthcare, a $20 minimum wage, abolishing ICE and ending military aid to Israel, accusing Pappas of being too close to AIPAC; Pappas defended his record and cast himself as a pragmatic candidate for centrist voters. He will face either former senator John E. Sununu or former senator Scott Brown in the general election.
In short
- Chris Pappas wins NH Democratic Senate primary over socialist rival Manzur
- Seat is a key Democratic must-hold in the midterms
- Pappas will face Sununu or Brown in the general election
Steelman: both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
Pappas’s supporters can argue that a pragmatic candidate with party and union backing is better placed to hold a closely watched seat and appeal to New Hampshire’s centrist voters. They may see his approach as a way to protect the party’s Senate prospects while pursuing change through policies with broader electoral support.
The case against
Manzur’s supporters can argue that the primary offered a chance to advance ambitious proposals on healthcare, wages, immigration and US policy towards Israel, rather than prioritise a candidate’s perceived electability. They may see her challenge as pressing Democrats to represent voters who want a clearer break with established party positions and political donors.
Explained simply
New Hampshire is one of the states where voters choose two US senators to represent them in the federal government. Senator Jeanne Shaheen is retiring, so the seat is open; holding it could affect which party controls the Senate, where senators vote on laws and confirm senior government officials.
Chris Pappas is a Democratic member of the House of Representatives, the lower chamber of Congress. His opponent in the general election will be either John E. Sununu or Scott Brown, who are competing for the Republican nomination; Republicans see the open seat as a chance to gain ground in a state where they have not won a Senate race for 16 years.
The primary campaign also reflected debate within the Democratic Party over policy and electoral strategy. Karishma Manzur, a biochemist and Democratic Socialists of America member, called for broad changes including universal healthcare and a higher minimum wage, while Pappas presented himself as a more centrist candidate.
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