Mr. Pappas, a 44-year-old Democratic congressman, is the first major candidate to enter the race to succeed the retiring Senator Jeanne Shaheen.

Former New Hampshire Gov. Chris Sununu (R) on Tuesday said he will not run for Senate in 2026, dealing a setback for the GOP in one of next year’s battlegrounds. Sununu, who served as governor for four two-year terms before not seeking reelection in November,

Sununu's decision to pass on the bid comes as a blow for Senate Republicans who were hoping to draft a top-tier candidate in the New Hampshire race.