Sununu targets Pappas record in New Hampshire Senate race

Sununu makes effectiveness the issue

Former Sen. John E. Sununu, the Republican nominee for New Hampshire’s open U.S. Senate seat, is focusing his campaign against Democratic Rep. Chris Pappas on the congressman’s record in Washington.

Sununu, who is seeking to return to the Senate after 18 years, said in a Fox News interview that Pappas “hasn't delivered” during eight years in Congress. He specifically criticized Pappas’ work on transportation funding and said New Hampshire ranks last in New England for highway funding.

New Hampshire does not rank last under every measurement. Federal and state figures place it among the states receiving the lowest total and per-person levels of federal funding for roads, highways and bridges.

Pappas points to highway funding bill

Pappas is a four-term House member who has served on the Transportation Committee. Earlier in 2026, he introduced the Highway Fair Share Act, which would increase federal funding. The legislation gives Pappas a record to cite as Sununu makes infrastructure spending part of the Senate campaign.

The two nominees are competing to succeed Democratic Sen. Jeanne Shaheen, who is retiring. The outcome will help determine which party controls the Senate.

The Cook Political Report changed its assessment of the New Hampshire contest from lean Democratic to toss-up. Inside Elections also moved the race to its toss-up category earlier in September. Those ratings describe the competitiveness of the race rather than determine its outcome.