# Sununu flips anti-incumbent script on Pappas

> Sununu challenges Pappas' 8-year Senate record with New Hampshire focus
- Title: Sununu flips anti-incumbent script on Pappas · Fox News
- Summary: Sununu challenges Pappas' 8-year Senate record with New Hampshire focus Sununu argues Pappas hasn't delivered for New Hampshire in 8 years
- Keywords: john e sununu, chris pappas, new hampshire, senate race, republican, democrat, cook political report, inside elections, highway funding, veterans healthcare, maga super pac, dark money
- Source: Fox News — https://foxnews.com/politics/political-insider-turns-anti-incumbent-table-8-year-dem-key-senate-race-hasnt-delivered
- Author: Paul Steinhauser
- Published: 2026-09-17T00:00:00+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: john e sununu, chris pappas, new hampshire, senate race, republican, democrat, cook political report, inside elections, highway funding, veterans healthcare, maga super pac, dark money
## Sununu targets Pappas
Former Sen. John E. Sununu, the 2026 Republican Senate nominee in New Hampshire, accuses Rep. Chris Pappas of 'being in Washington for 8 years and hasn't delivered for New Hampshire'.

> He has attempted very little in Congress. He's accomplished even less.
## Race dynamics shift
Cook Political Report shifted New Hampshire Senate race from lean Democrat to toss-up, with Inside Elections also updating their rating.
## Sununu's background
Sununu's father was governor of New Hampshire and his brother Chris served eight years as governor before taking a break from politics.
## Pappas' infrastructure work
Pappas introduced the Highway Fair Share Act to increase federal highway funding for New Hampshire and secured $9 million in federal projects.
## Pappas' healthcare achievements
Pappas expanded healthcare benefits for 3.5 million veterans and brought high-speed internet to towns across New Hampshire.
## Sununu's criticism
Sununu claims Pappas' lack of action harms New Hampshire's infrastructure and fails to support state needs.

> New Hampshire is dead last in highway funding in New England. That hurts New Hampshire.
## Pappas' defense
Pappas highlights New Hampshire voters want practical solutions and has worked on healthcare, housing, and infrastructure.

> New Hampshire is a state of voters who are pragmatic, who want their lives to be better and want problems to be solved.
## Manzur's challenge
First-time candidate Karishma Manzur accused Pappas of seeking a 'cushy job' and avoiding meaningful work.

> All Pappas wants to do is just get his little cushy job and go to D.C. and do whatever the bare minimum is.
## Funding battle
MAGA super PACs are pouring millions weekly into New Hampshire to flip the Senate seat, with Pappas claiming they outspend Democrats 3 to 1 on TV.
## Sununu's response
Sununu denies meeting Trump and claims he'll be a more effective voice with the administration than Pappas.

> I've never even met the president. There's no question I'll be a much more effective voice with this administration.
## Key takeaway

Sununu argues Pappas hasn't delivered for New Hampshire in 8 years