2026 US Senate General Election

The New Hampshire primary for U.S. Senate was held on September 8, 2026. With longtime Sen. Jeanne Shaheen retiring, Democrats nominated Rep. Chris Pappas while Republicans chose former Sen. John E. Sununu. Voters will decide who fills this open seat in the November 3, 2026 general election.

Our profiles include candidate issue positions and background information to help you make an informed decision on who to vote for.

Voting Date:

Tuesday, November 3, 2026

Edmond J. Laplante, Jr.

Independent/Other

State Chairman, Constitution Party of NH (2003 - present); SAU 93 Richmond Representative (2003 - present); Auto Mechanic (1984 - present); Marine Veteran (1999 - 2007); A&P License

Edmond Laplante also ran for U.S. Senate in 2022. He said his experience as a mechanic informs how he views the U.S. Constitution: "The Constitution is not a tool for politicians to 'fix' society, nor a shortcut to impose new ideas. It is a set of restraints - written to limit power, define jurisdiction, and protect the people from those who govern. When government follows it faithfully, things tend to work. When it ignores it, no amount of experience or good intentions can prevent damage."Mr. Laplante collected enough signatures to appear on the general election ballot as an independent candidate.

Christopher Pappas

Democrat

Representative, U.S. House of Representatives (2018 - present); Executive Councilor (2012 - 2018); Representative, NH House of Representatives (2002 - 2006); Co-Owner, Puritan Backroom Restaurant; Treasurer, Hillsborough County

Chris Pappas has served as a U.S. Representative since 2018 and previously served on New Hampshire's Executive Council. (His family is also known for their world-famous chicken tenders at the Puritan Backroom Restaurant in Manchester.) In Congress, Pappas has positioned himself as a moderate, occasionally breaking with his party on high-profile votes such as the Laken Riley Act and the Middle Class Borrower Protection Act. In 2024, Pappas won reelection to the U.S. House. He is now seeking to move up to the U.S. Senate in 2026.

John E. Sununu

Republican

Representative, U.S. House of Representatives (1997 - 2003); Senator, U.S. Senate (2003 - 2009)

John E. Sununu, a former Republican U.S. Senator and three-term congressman, hopes to win back the Senate seat he once held. First elected to the Senate in 2002 after defeating then-Gov. Jeanne Shaheen, he later lost to her in their 2008 rematch. In launching his 2026 campaign, Sununu said Congress has become “loud, dysfunctional, even angry,” and that he wants to “help calm the waters.” After nearly two decades in the private sector, Sununu is emphasizing civility, fiscal discipline, and practical problem-solving as he seeks to re-enter public service.

2026 US Senate General Election

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