Rep. Chris Pappas (D-NH) stated on Sunday that his campaign is "taking nothing for granted" in the race for New Hampshire’s U.S. Senate seat. During an appearance on "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan," Pappas said he is focused on reaching independent and swing voters, as well as Republicans, during the final 23 days of the campaign.
Pappas, who has served in the House of Representatives since 2019, is seeking the seat currently held by Sen. Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), who announced she will not seek reelection. His opponent is former GOP Sen. John Sununu, who previously served in the House and Senate before losing his Senate seat to Shaheen in 2008.
The race comes as Republicans seek to gain control of the Senate, while CBS News currently rates the New Hampshire contest as leaning Democrat. Pappas cited the 2016 Senate race, which was decided by approximately 1,000 votes, as evidence of the state's competitive nature. He also noted that New Hampshire’s lack of early voting options requires a high degree of Election Day turnout.
The outcome of the election is identified as a factor in determining party control of the Senate. Pappas stated that a Democratic majority would prioritize economic issues including an affordable housing bill and efforts to restore healthcare cuts. Conversely, Sununu has positioned himself as a candidate with a record of breaking with President Trump on certain issues while campaigning during a period of international conflict and high gas prices.
On immigration, Pappas said he supports reining in what he described as abuses from Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and pursuing criminals while respecting due process.
Voters in New Hampshire will cast their final ballots on Election Day, which is scheduled for 23 days from the date of the report. The final tally will determine whether the state continues with Democratic representation or returns Sununu to the Senate.