Manchester, N.H. — Polls have closed in New Hampshire as the state awaits results from Tuesday’s Senate nominations. Both Democratic and Republican candidates aim to secure key positions in a race pivotal for controlling the chamber in upcoming midterm elections.
Karishma Manzur, a candidate with socialist leanings, seeks to challenge the status quo in the Democratic Senate primary. She faces four-term Rep. Chris Pappas, who has establishment backing. Manzur, once considered a longshot, gained national attention after recent victories by the far-left against centrists in the Democratic party.
The winner of this Democratic contest will face John E. Sununu or Scott Brown, vying for the GOP nomination for the seat currently held by retiring Sen. Jeanne Shaheen. Republicans haven’t had a Senate victory in New Hampshire for 16 years but see this open seat as a chance to strengthen their position in the chamber.
“All he wants to do is get his cushy job and go to D.C.,” Manzur said about Pappas, accusing him of prioritizing minimal efforts over substantial work.
Manzur, who holds a Ph.D. in biochemistry, is promoting ideas such as universal healthcare and a minimum wage increase to $20 per hour. She also seeks to abolish ICE and end military aid to Israel, challenging Pappas, whom she labels a “genocide enabler” due to his pro-Israel alignments.
Pappas counters these claims by recognizing Israel as a crucial ally, though expressing disagreements with Prime Minister Netanyahu. Pappas, confidently standing as the frontrunner, is backed strongly by unions and establishment Democrats. He focuses on appealing to pragmatic voters across political divisions.
Republicans are concurrently dealing with Trump’s influence on their primary, with the former president endorsing Sununu over Brown. Sununu, a noted Trump critic but former senator, holds strong local support, emphasizing his commitment to New Hampshire interests.
Brown contests the endorsements, claiming Sununu’s reliance on external political figures. Brown aims to rally the MAGA base and traditional Republicans, indicating that endorsements alone don’t guarantee votes.
In other state contests, Democratic Rep. Chris Pappas is challenged by Maura Sullivan and Carleigh Beriont in New Hampshire’s 1st Congressional District. Meanwhile, business figures Anthony DiLorenzo and Hollie Noveletsky lead the Republican race.
In the 2nd Congressional District, Rep. Maggie Goodlander faces a left-leaning primary challenge from Paige Beauchemin. On the Republican side, Lily Tang Williams is favored in her third congressional attempt.
Republican Gov. Kelly Ayotte seeks reelection without strong opposition, while Cinde Warmington is unopposed for the Democratic gubernatorial nomination.