Congressman Chris Pappas wins New Hampshire Democratic Senate primary
Pappas fends off challenge from progressive Karishma Manzur in seat to be vacated by retiring Jeanne Shaheen Congressman Chris Pappas beat back progressive challenger Karishma Manzur in the Democratic primary for US Senate on Tuesday, advancing as most observers expected to what will be a closely watched general election that is critical to Democratic hopes of flipping the upper chamber. The two…
Congressman Chris Pappas secured a decisive victory in the Democratic primary for New Hampshire's vacant Senate seat, defeating progressive challenger Karishma Manzur. The primary race opened up after incumbent Senator Jeanne Shaheen announced her retirement. Pappas, a centrist and two-term House member since 2019, benefited from strong establishment support, endorsements from prominent Democrats, and the renowned backing of his family's century-old restaurant in Manchester.
Israel-backed donors played a significant role in the primary, as Manzur criticized Pappas' ties to the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC) and his support for Israel. However, Pappas emphasized his opposition to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, stating he hoped Netanyahu would be ousted in Israel's upcoming October election.
Pappas rejected corporate PAC money in the race but did not directly address his pro-Israel donor base. The general election is expected to be a crucial contest, with former New Hampshire Senator John E. Sununu, endorsed by Donald Trump, challenging Pappas. Many Democrats fear New Hampshire could become a swing state where Republicans have not won a Senate race since 2010, when Kelly Ayotte, now the governor, made her mark.
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