US News
Democrat Chris Pappas wins New Hampshire Senate seat following John Sununu concession
The House representative defeats the former Republican senator, holding the seat for Democrats.
The short version
- Democratic Representative Chris Pappas defeated former Republican Senator John Sununu to represent New Hampshire in the U.S. Senate.[CBS News]
- Sununu officially conceded the race once 20% of the vote was reported.[The Guardian]
- The victory makes Pappas the first openly gay male U.S. senator in history.[The Hollywood Reporter · The Washington Sun]
Key facts
- Democratic Representative Chris Pappas defeated former Republican Senator John Sununu in the New Hampshire Senate contest.[CBS News · The Guardian · The Washington Sun · Fox News]
- Pappas becomes the first openly gay man elected to the U.S. Senate.[The Hollywood Reporter · The Guardian · The Washington Sun]
- Sununu officially conceded the contest after 20% of the vote had been reported.[The Guardian]
- With 19.18% of the vote counted, Pappas led with 60.6% compared to Sununu's 37.61%, according to the Fox News Decision Desk.[Fox News]
Sources
Outlet counts describe coverage, not independent confirmation. Reports may share a wire service or original source.
- Chris Pappas wins New Hampshire 2026 Senate electionCBS News - US
- Democrat Chris Pappas Wins Election to U.S. Senate From New HampshireThe Washington Sun · Wire: associated-press
- Democrat Chris Pappas wins New Hampshire Senate race to become first out gay senatorThe Guardian - US
- Chris Pappas Becomes First Openly Gay Man Elected to SenateThe Hollywood Reporter metered
- Democrats score major Senate victory as Pappas defeats Trump-backed Republican in key battlegroundFox News - Politics