Former Senator John E. Sununu Wins GOP Nomination in New Hampshire Senate Race

<p>Former Senator John E. Sununu won the GOP Senate nomination in New Hampshire on Tuesday, a significant step in a race that may influence Republican control of the Senate in the upcoming midterm elections.</p><p>Sununu defeated former Senator Scott Brown, according to the Associated Press, in the contest to succeed retiring Democratic Senator Jeanne Shaheen, who was the first woman elected as both governor and senator in U.S. history.</p><p>Republicans have not won a Senate election in New Hampshire in 16 years, but they consider the open seat held by Democrats a key opportunity to regain a majority in the Senate during the midterms.</p><p>Sununu will compete in the general election against four-term Representative Chris Pappas, who secured the Democratic nomination by defeating socialist candidate Karishma Manzur.</p><p>Sununu stated, "When it comes to standing up for New Hampshire, I take a back seat to no one. I'm not worried about reelection. I don't -- I'm not running for any other job. I don't want to make anyone in Washington happy. I know that as your senator, I'll have one job: stand up for the people of New Hampshire every single day," during his victory celebration at the McIntyre Ski Area in Manchester, New Hampshire.</p><p>Sununu, the son of former Governor John H. Sununu and brother of former Governor Chris Sununu, is a former congressman and senator aiming to return to the Senate.</p><p>President Donald Trump endorsed Sununu in February, despite Sununu being a long-time critic of Trump, while Brown was one of Trump's ambassadors during his first term. Sununu also received support from Senate Majority Leader John Thune and the National Republican Senatorial Committee.</p><p>Brown criticized Sununu in a Fox News Digital interview, stating that Sununu has many endorsements but lacks Trump's endorsement, claiming, "He never talks about it. He's embarrassed by it." Brown also emphasized the need to earn votes rather than assuming support.</p><p>Brown accused Sununu of being beholden to Trump, Thune, and outside groups, asserting, "He owes them everything. He doesn't work for the people of New Hampshire." In response, Sununu reiterated his commitment to prioritizing the needs of New Hampshire residents, stating, "It's all about our state, our communities, our economy, and our small businesses."</p><p>Sununu did not mention Trump directly when discussing endorsements but highlighted local support, stating, "We've received tremendous support in New Hampshire... we've got great momentum at the grassroots level." Trump recently announced plans to campaign for fellow Republicans in the midterms.</p><p>When asked if he wanted Trump to join him on the campaign trail in New Hampshire, Sununu replied, "I don't need anyone from outside New Hampshire to campaign for me. I've said that from the very beginning."</p><p>Sununu also expressed disagreement with the Trump administration's trade policies regarding Canada, stating, "I don't think it's the right thing to pick a trade war with Canada. They're a great trading partner for New Hampshire."</p><p>As Republicans approach the midterms, they face challenges including persistent inflation, high gas prices, and low approval ratings for Trump. However, Sununu, who previously defeated Shaheen in 2002 but lost to her in a rematch, stated he is focused on addressing affordability and reducing the cost of living in areas such as housing, health care, and energy.</p>