The competitiveness of the Senate race in New Hampshire is unexpected, especially in a state where former Vice President Kamala Harris won by 2.8 percentage points in the 2024 election.

On October 3, 2026, at 5:00 a.m. EDT, Democratic Senate candidate Rep. Chris Pappas engaged with supporters at his primary election watch party on September 8, as captured by CJ Gunther/Getty Images.

Manchester, N.H.—In a political year where Democrats aim to contest Senate seats in traditionally Republican strongholds, New Hampshire presents an unusual challenge. The state, known for its repeated rejection of President Donald Trump in past elections, now brings unexpected political tension for the Democrats.