Former U.S. Senator John E. Sununu faces Democratic Representative Chris Pappas in New Hampshire’s closely watched Senate race to succeed retiring Jeanne Shaheen, leaning into his family’s political legacy while distancing himself from Donald Trump ahead of their final televised debate.
The Sununu Family Dynasty in New Hampshire Politics
Family recognition in New Hampshire is playing a central role as John E. Sununu campaigns for the U.S. Senate seat he last held nearly two decades ago in 2008. The candidate joins a deep political lineage, following his father John H. Sununu and his younger brother Chris Sununu, both of whom served as the state’s governor. Longtime New Hampshire politicians describe the 62-year-old John as more serious and occasionally sharp, like his father, whereas 51-year-old Chris appears more jovial. Fergus Cullen, who served as chair of the New Hampshire GOP during John E. Sununu’s last campaign in 2008, noted the distinct personalities between the siblings.
If they didn’t share the same last name, I’m not sure you would guess they’re actually brothers, because they’re really different people.
Fergus Cullen, former New Hampshire GOP chair
Campaigning person-to-person in local communities, John Sununu has focused his message on the economy and job stability, stopping to converse with voters such as a little boy named Henry, noting that his own father’s middle name is Henry before offering him a hat. While some voters easily distinguish between the family members, others blend the political histories together, such as Alana Demers, who noted her husband had previously voted for him when he was governor before correcting herself to recognize that John’s brother held the office.
Managing a Difficult National Republican Environment
Running in a tough political cycle for Republicans, Sununu is actively separating his campaign from Donald Trump in a strategic move aimed at appealing to moderate and undecided voters in a state where presidential approval ratings are low. Observers note that these ongoing efforts to differentiate from Trump could influence voting outcomes and shift public opinion. Recent polling data from Rasmussen and Saint Anselm surveys shows a mid-single-digit advantage for the Democratic candidate, Chris Pappas, while market pricing indicates a high likelihood of a Democratic victory.
Pappas and Sununu Meet for Final Televised Debate
The matchup moves to the debate stage as Chris Pappas and John Sununu meet for their final major televised debate scheduled for Wednesday, October 28, 2026, at 9 p.m. ET. The debate follows several other forums and debates held between the two candidates earlier in the month, alongside a separate New Hampshire Public Radio forum scheduled for October 29 that was ultimately canceled after Sununu declined to participate.
