Sununu Vs. Pappas in NH Senate race

Welcome back, everybody. Midterm election day well underway. Polls closed tonight at eight in Massachusetts. There is the countdown. And remember, as long as you're in line by then, you will be allowed to vote. The race to replace New Hampshire's Democratic senator drawing some national attention. Big time. It's a seat Republicans want to grab in order to maintain the majority in Washington. But the GOP hasn't won a Senate race in the Granite State since 2010. On the ballot, Democrat Congressman Chris Pappas and the Republican former Senator John Sununu. Both candidates out casting their votes today. Our live team coverage continues now in Manchester, New Hampshire. Boston 25's Lisa Greschi following the campaign of John Sununu. First, though, let's go to Boston 25's Shana Ferreira. Shana, you've spent the day with Representative Chris Pappas and his team. And we are live inside the campaign headquarters for Chris Pappas where his supporters and campaign staff will really spend the next several hours waiting for those returns to come in after months of campaigning and of course the rallies and debates and millions of dollars spent for him trying to make his case to voters. Now we find out if that message resonated. Now of course Pappas is a four-term congressman that has served since 2019 and we also know that he has really made his stake in his campaign here on affordability. as a central part of it, talking about the cost of housing, health care, and energy while promising to push back against the Trump administration. But standing in his way is Republican John Sununu, a former senator, as you mentioned, who held this very seat before losing to Jeanne Shaheen back in 2008. Now, Sununu has made the argument that Pappas has spent eight years in Washington without delivering enough results. Pappas, meanwhile, has tried to paint Sununu as too closely aligned with President Trump and out of touch with New Hampshire voters. This feels like change is in the air in New Hampshire. Voters are turning out. Democracy is in action today. And I think people are going to choose a different course for our country. Now with Democrats looking to regain control of the Senate here, this race is going to be watched by both parties nationally, especially on a night like tonight. Something also to keep in mind and to watch out for is how Chris Pappas performs in communities that have helped Democrats win in the past with statewide elections and whether or not Sununu can bring in enough. Republicans and independent supporters to flip this seat so we'll have updates of course as the polls close and of course the results coming in right here from Manchester but for now we are live in Manchester. Shana Ferreira for your local station Boston 25 News. Did they come out and vote today Shana? Thank you. Boston 25's Lisa Greschi with Republican candidate John Sununu. Lisa that camp also set up in Manchester. We are certainly set up here in Manchester. We are inside headquarters for John Sununu tonight. And everyone here, they've been setting the stage behind me for what they hope is a win. John Sununu, the Republican candidate for this U.S. Senate seat and former U.S. Senator, cast his vote at Rye Elementary this morning. This is one of the most watched races here in New Hampshire and one of several races that could help determine the balance of power in Washington. Because a Sununu victory would flip this Democratic-held seat to Republican control and could help the GOP retain its Senate majority. In the weeks leading up to this election, political experts have been telling Boston 25 News Sununu has made it a point of appealing to independent voters. chunk of voters here in New Hampshire. That was also the message he delivered today. If New Hampshire really wants someone who's going to be an independent voice, I'm that candidate. If they want someone who's not a career politician, I am that candidate. Now, if you're thinking things will look a little bit quiet behind me, that's because doors only open right now to the media, and then at 7 o'clock it opens to the public. And we'll be here watching as these votes come in. Live in Manchester, New Hampshire tonight, I'm Melissa Gracie, Political Station, Boston 25 News.