Former Sen. John Sununu, a Republican, is challenging Democratic Rep. Chris Pappas for retiring Sen. Jeanne Shaheen’s New Hampshire seat. The Cook Political Report shifted the close race from “Lean D” to “Toss-up,” giving Republicans a potential pickup.
Most polls showed Pappas with a slight edge, but Sununu led by 2 points in an Aug. 26 University of New Hampshire poll and by 1 point in a Sept. 2 Republican-sponsored poll. A Sept. 24 UNH poll put Pappas ahead by 8; its director called it a statistical tie after accounting for undecided voters and unknown candidates.
Pappas had $4.25 million in campaign cash on hand, compared with Sununu’s $3 million. The Senate Leadership Fund said it would invest $17 million for Sununu, and Republican groups reserved $25 million for advertising. Sununu also faces headwinds: a New York Times average put President Donald Trump’s approval at 37% on Sept. 23, and an Aug. 20 New Hampshire poll found Democrats led Republicans 46%-39% on trust with economic issues.
