The National Republican Senatorial Committee is going all-in on New Hampshire, launching a new ad campaign that frames Democratic Rep. Chris Pappas as a loyal follower of Chuck Schumer and Nancy Pelosi — not the independent moderate he claims to be.
The ad, obtained exclusively by The Daily Wire, signals Republicans believe the open Senate seat is winnable in what could be one of 2026’s most decisive races.
“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. While Pappas is a follower, John Sununu is the independent leader New Hampshire needs.”
That’s NRSC Regional Press Secretary Samantha Cantrell making the case for former Republican Senator John Sununu, who’s built a commanding lead in the Republican primary over former Massachusetts Senator Scott Brown.
The ad hits Pappas on taxes and his voting record before delivering the kicker: “John Sununu spent his career solving problems. Chris Pappas followed the crowd. New Hampshire needs a leader, not a lightweight.”
The NRSC also launched a campaign website backing up the attack with receipts: Pappas voted with Pelosi 222 out of 223 times — a record the committee says proves he answers to Democratic leadership, not New Hampshire voters.
Campaign finance filings released Thursday show Sununu has raised roughly $1.5 million since April and has approximately $3 million cash on hand. Brown, still in the race but trailing badly, raised about $279,000 over the same period with roughly $736,000 remaining.
Pappas maintains a significant financial edge, raising approximately $3.5 million during the latest reporting period with roughly $5.1 million available for the general election.
But money doesn’t tell the whole story. The seat is open after Democrat Sen. Jeanne Shaheen decided not to seek another term, making it one of 11 Senate seats without an incumbent this cycle.
Election handicappers still rate Democrats as slight favorites — The Cook Political Report calls it “Lean Democratic” while Inside Elections rates it “Tilt Democratic” — but Republicans see an opening.
New Hampshire Republicans currently control the governor’s office and both chambers of the state legislature. The question: can that state-level success translate to a federal win?
With Republicans holding a 53-45 Senate majority entering 2026, both parties are expected to pour substantial resources into New Hampshire. A narrow victory here could prove decisive in determining control of the chamber.
The NRSC’s strategy is clear: frame Pappas as just another reliable vote for Democratic leadership in Washington, not the independent New Hampshire moderate he’s selling himself as.
