# New Hampshire Senate race now a toss-up as GOP gains ground

> The contest to replace retiring Democrat Jeanne Shaheen has shifted from Lean Democratic to Toss Up as polls tighten and Republican money pours in.
- Title: New Hampshire Senate race now a toss-up as GOP gains ground
- Summary: The contest to replace retiring Democrat Jeanne Shaheen has shifted from Lean Democratic to Toss Up as polls tighten and Republican money pours in. New…
- Keywords: new hampshire, senate race, jeanne shaheen, john sununu, chris pappas, cook political report, 2026 midterms, republican spending, polling, toss-up race, democratic party, republican party
- Source: Newsweek — https://newsweek.com/race-to-replace-democrat-senator-in-new-hampshire-shifts-toward-gop-12446982
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: new hampshire, senate race, jeanne shaheen, john sununu, chris pappas, cook political report, 2026 midterms, republican spending, polling, toss-up race, democratic party, republican party
## NH Senate race shifts to toss-up
The Cook Political Report moved the contest from Lean Democratic to Toss Up as former GOP Senator John Sununu faces Democratic Rep. Chris Pappas in November.
## Polls show tight competition
A late August UNH poll found Sununu at 45% and Pappas at 43%. A September survey shows them tied at 46% each, with 9% undecided.
## Republicans outspending Democrats 2-to-1
National Republicans are on pace for a $20 million spending advantage in New Hampshire. Sununu allies have already outspent pro-Pappas groups by nearly double.

> Sununu allies have already outspent pro-Pappas groups by almost a 2-1 margin
## Midterm dynamics favor Republicans
The president's party historically loses seats during midterms. Republicans currently hold narrow majorities in both the House and Senate.
## Democrats must defend unexpected ground
The tightening race forces Democrats to spend time and money in New Hampshire instead of focusing on flipping Republican seats elsewhere.

> It means they have to spend time and money here instead of putting all of it into flipping Republican seats.
## NH hasn't elected GOP senator since 2010
The Granite State's long Democratic streak is now at risk. Both campaigns expect significant national attention as control of the Senate hangs in the balance.
## Key takeaway

New Hampshire's Senate race has become competitive, with Republican John Sununu closing the gap on Democrat Chris Pappas through heavy spending and tightening polls.