Trump's former Senate pick backs Democrat in New Hampshire
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Rep. Chris Pappas (D-NH) and candidate for US Senate speaks on October 3, 2026. Photo: Joseph Prezioso / AFP via Getty Images.
Don Bolduc, the Trump-endorsed Republican nominee for U.S. Senate in New Hampshire in 2022, and a group of other Republicans and independents have endorsed Democratic Rep. Chris Pappas in the state's upcoming Senate race.
Why it matters: The cross-party endorsement is a rare moment of bipartisan unity and highlights how dissatisfaction with the Trump agenda could affect how moderate and independent voters vote in the purple state.
What they're saying: "Chris Pappas's unwavering dedication to our veterans and his efforts to foster bipartisan cooperation set him apart as a leader who will prioritize the needs of all constituents," Bolduc said in an emailed statement.
- "His ability to navigate the complex landscape of our economy, tackle the national debt with a steady hand, and work towards solutions that bridge divides is especially critical in today's challenging political climate."
- The New Hampshire Union Leader first reported the endorsement.
Catch up quick: Pappas and former Sen. John E. Sununu (R), a member of a prominent local political family, are running in a tight race, but recent polling has consistently given Pappas an edge.
- An AARP poll released in early October and conducted by the New Hampshire Institute of Politics found Pappas holding a 7-point advantage over Sununu among likely voters.
- Like other Republicans in competitive races, Sununu, seen as a more moderate Republican, has tried to distance himself from the president. But a majority of voters in the state have indicated that they are more interested in a check on the president's power.
- Both men are running to replace Democratic Sen. Jeanne Shaheen in a state that leans left but has elected Republican officials.
Zoom in: Bolduc joined 57 other New Hampshire Republicans and independents in endorsing Pappas, including former state Sen. Rick Russman.
- "As a Republican for more than fifty years, I believe it's important to say plainly: Donald Trump's handpicked candidate, John Sununu, and the MAGA machine do not represent the Republican Party of our parents and grandparents," Russman said in an emailed statement.
- Congressman Chris Pappas said that he "will always work with anyone to deliver for New Hampshire, and I'm grateful to have earned the support of Granite Staters across party and ideological lines who are ready to build a freer, fairer future for our state."
- Sununu's campaign did not immediately respond to Axios' request for comment.
Worth noting: Bolduc's endorsement of Pappas is particularly intriguing given the former Army brigadier general was MAGA-aligned and previously supported President Trump's false claims that the 2020 election was stolen.
- He later walked back those claims and affirmed President Biden had won.
Zoom out: Democrats' clearest path to wresting control of the Senate from Republicans is to hold on to all their current seats and flip four, and favorable polling suggests they might perform better than expected.
- Still, Republicans see New Hampshire as a top pick-up opportunity.
Go deeper: Scoop: Thune to headline fundraiser for New Hampshire's Sununu in Senate race
