Republicans bank on Sununu’s legacy to challenge Pappas in New Hampshire Senate race

Republicans consider John E. Sununu, a former senator and member of a prominent New Hampshire political family, their strongest prospect for unseating Democrat Chris Pappas in the upcoming Senate contest. Sununu’s cross-party reputation and opposition to the PATRIOT Act have earned him favorable views among libertarian-leaning voters, and a recent poll shows him five points behind Pappas overall but ahead on character among independents.

Donald Trump’s disapproval rating sits at 60 % statewide and 65 % among independents, adding uncertainty if the race nationalizes. Outside groups have poured more than $50 million into the contest, including $17 million from the Senate Leadership Fund for Sununu and $10 million from Senate Majority PAC for Pappas. Both candidates say the flood of money hampers their ability to communicate directly with voters. The outcome is seen as pivotal for either party’s chances of controlling the Senate.