Ex-GOP senator clears hurdle in crucial comeback bid as Republicans try to flip key Senate seat
Former Republican Senator John E. Sununu has won his party's Senate nomination in New Hampshire, defeating fellow former senator Scott Brown in a contest with significant implications for control of the US Senate in the midterm elections. The seat, currently held by retiring Democrat Jeanne Shaheen, is regarded as a top Republican target despite the party not having won a Senate race in the state for 16 years, making the outcome of the wider general election closely watched.
Sununu, whose father and brother both served as New Hampshire governor, secured endorsements from President Donald Trump, Senate Majority Leader John Thune and the National Republican Senatorial Committee, despite past criticism of Trump. Brown, a former Trump ambassador, accused Sununu of being "beholden" to the party establishment, while Sununu insisted his focus was solely on New Hampshire and distanced himself from needing Trump's campaign support. He will face either Congressman Chris Pappas or Karishma Manzur, who are contesting the Democratic nomination, in the general election, with Sununu citing affordability and cost-of-living issues as his key priorities amid a challenging political climate for Republicans.
In short
- Sununu beats Brown to win NH Republican Senate nomination
- Seat is a top GOP target to flip from Democrats
- Sununu will face Pappas or Manzur in general election
Steelman: both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
Sununu’s nomination gives Republicans a candidate with prior Senate experience and a potentially strong chance to compete for a seat they see as essential to keeping or gaining control of the chamber. His supporters can argue that his focus on affordability and New Hampshire concerns, alongside broad party backing, offers a practical route to winning a state Republicans have struggled to carry in recent Senate races.
The case against
Critics can argue that Sununu’s establishment endorsements, including Trump’s, may weaken his claim to independence and validate Brown’s concern that party leaders will shape his priorities. They may also question whether a Republican comeback bid can persuade New Hampshire voters given the party’s long record without a Senate victory there, particularly amid a difficult political climate for Republicans.
Explained simply
New Hampshire is a small state in the north-east of the United States. Its voters have not elected a Republican to the Senate in 16 years, but the seat is open because Democrat Jeanne Shaheen is retiring.
The Senate is one of the two chambers of the US Congress, and its balance of seats affects which party can advance legislation and confirm senior officials. Republicans are seeking to gain seats in the midterm elections, held halfway through a president’s term, so the New Hampshire race is one of several that could shape control of the chamber.
John E. Sununu and Scott Brown are both former senators who sought the Republican nomination. Sununu comes from a family with a long history in New Hampshire politics; the Democratic nominee will be either Congressman Chris Pappas or Karishma Manzur.
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