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’s (R) decision not to run for Senate is presenting a challenge for Republicans as they turn their sights on the state ahead of 2026. Sununu’s announcement was not necessarily surprising to Republicans.

Four-term Congressman Chris Pappas of New Hampshire has announced his bid to succeed retiring U.S. Sen. Jeanne Shaheen, a fellow Democrat, next year.