The 2026 midterm elections have kicked off in New Hampshire, with early results showing Republican Senate candidate John E. Sununu pulling ahead of Democratic Rep. Chris Pappas. In the small community of Dixville Notch, Sununu secured five votes, representing 71%, compared to Pappas’ two votes at 29%.
This initial tally provides Sununu with a notable early lead in a competitive Senate race. However, these numbers have not yet been verified by official election authorities and reflect a very small voter sample.
Dixville Notch, a unique locale known for its tradition of casting ballots shortly after midnight, garners significant attention during election cycles. Historically, this community’s voting results have drawn interest across the nation.
This reported Republican lead marks a shift from recent elections, especially the 2024 presidential race, where both Trump and Harris secured three votes each here.
If confirmed, these new figures would indicate a change in the area’s voting patterns, with Sununu’s five votes standing against the seven total cast. The Republican candidate aims to reclaim a Senate seat held by retiring Democratic Sen. Jeanne Shaheen.
Sununu’s background includes a previous tenure in Congress and a Senate term from 2003 to 2009. His family has a notable political legacy in New Hampshire, with both his father and brother previously serving as governors.
Pappas has represented the state’s 1st Congressional District since 2019 and seeks to maintain Democratic control over the vacant Senate seat. This contest has attracted national attention amid the struggle for Senate majority.
The candidates have focused their campaigns on critical issues like economic stability and government spending. Sununu criticizes Pappas for a lack of effective representation for New Hampshire, while Pappas aims to tie Sununu to Trump’s policies.
Despite a history of supporting Democratic candidates, New Hampshire continues to elect Republicans to high office, including Gov. Kelly Ayotte, who is running for reelection.
Voter sentiment in New Hampshire is complicated, making this Senate race a crucial focus for both political parties. However, the results from Dixville Notch alone won’t determine the overall outcome as the majority of voters engage later in the day, with polls closing between 7 and 8 p.m. Eastern time.
The early election results provide a glimpse of potential trends, but the final verdict will depend on the collective votes from larger communities.
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