Democrat Chris Pappas says "we're taking nothing for granted" in N.H. race

Democratic Rep. Chris Pappas, vying for New Hampshire's Senate seat, cautioned on Sunday that his campaign is taking no chances as the election day draws near in the "tough race" within the Granite State. Speaking on "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan," Pappas expressed his optimism for the outcome, but emphasized the need for diligent effort in the remaining 23 days leading up to November.

Pappas, a House representative since 2019, is locked in a contest against former GOP Senator John Sununu, whose victory could tip the Senate balance. Despite Republicans' aspirations to seize the seat following Democratic Senator Jeanne Shaheen's retirement announcement, CBS News currently rates New Hampshire as leaning Democrat. However, Pappas warned that his campaign must not underestimate the competition due to New Hampshire's reputation as a swing state and the absence of early voting options.

The race's outcome hinges on engaging independent and swing voters, bolstering the base, and reaching out to Republicans, Pappas explained. He recalled that the 2016 Senate race in New Hampshire was decided by just over 1,000 votes and acknowledged Sununu's esteemed political lineage in the state. Despite Sununu's family background in New Hampshire politics, Pappas remains resolute that this election is about the future, not returning to past failures.

Sununu, son of former Governor John H. Sununu and brother of former Governor Chris Sununu, has previously served in the House and Senate. He has distanced himself from President Trump amid an unpopular war in Iran and high gas prices. Pappas linked Sununu's campaign to the president's agenda, framing the contest as a broader struggle for Senate control.

Pappas underscored Democrats' focus on addressing economic challenges, advocating for affordable housing, ending the war, lowering energy prices, restoring healthcare cuts, and cracking down on ICE's abuses. He stressed the necessity of realistic reforms, working with President Trump to rein in the worst offenders while respecting due process and promoting immigrants' integration into American society.