Republicans are signaling that they believe New Hampshire’s open Senate seat is in play, launching a new ad campaign targeting Democratic Rep. Chris Pappas, which was obtained exclusively by The Daily Wire.
The ad is one of the clearest indications yet that Republicans are shifting toward the general election, where former Republican Senator John Sununu is expected to face Pappas if he secures the Republican nomination.
“Chris Pappas has put the needs of Chuck Schumer and D.C. Democrats over what is best for Granite Staters every step of the way,” National Republican Senatorial Committee Regional Press Secretary Samantha Cantrell said in a statement. “While Pappas is a follower, John Sununu is the independent leader New Hampshire needs.”
The spot rips Pappas over taxes and his voting record before concluding: “John Sununu spent his career solving problems. Chris Pappas followed the crowd. New Hampshire needs a leader, not a lightweight. John Sununu: Tough. Independent. New Hampshire first.”
Alongside the ad, the NRSC launched a campaign microsite that expands on the same themes. The committee argues that Pappas voted with former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) 222 out of 223 times and contends that his record reflects the priorities of Democratic leadership rather than those of New Hampshire voters.
The early general election messaging comes as Sununu has established himself as the overwhelming favorite for the Republican nomination. Former Massachusetts Republican Senator Scott Brown remains in the race, but Sununu has built a commanding advantage in polling and fundraising.
Campaign finance filings released Thursday underscore Sununu’s advantage. Since April, Sununu has raised roughly $1.5 million and reported approximately $3 million cash on hand. Brown, by comparison, raised roughly $279,000 over the same period and reported about $736,000 remaining in his campaign account.
Pappas, meanwhile, continues to maintain a significant financial edge. The Democratic congressman raised approximately $3.5 million during the latest reporting period and entered the summer with roughly $5.1 million available for the general election campaign.
Despite that fundraising advantage, the ad signals that Republicans view New Hampshire as one of their best pickup opportunities in a cycle where control of the Senate could once again hinge on just a handful of races. The seat is open following Democrat Sen. Jeanne Shaheen’s decision not to seek another term, making it one of 11 Senate seats without an incumbent on the ballot this year.
Election handicappers continue to view Democrats as slight favorites, though major forecasters consider the race competitive. The Cook Political Report currently rates the contest as “Lean Democratic,” while Inside Elections rates it even closer, only “Tilt Democratic.”
The race will also test whether New Hampshire’s Republican success at the state level can translate into a federal victory. Republicans currently control the governor’s office and both chambers of the state legislature, giving the party a governing trifecta in Concord.
With Republicans holding a 53-45 Senate majority entering the 2026 elections, both parties are expected to pour substantial resources into New Hampshire, where a narrow victory could prove decisive in determining control of the chamber.
The new advertisement suggests Republicans believe Sununu’s path to victory will depend on framing Pappas not as an independent New Hampshire moderate, but as another reliable vote for the Democratic leadership in Washington.
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