Democracy is on the line in U.S. Senate race
The 2026 United States Senate race in New Hampshire is critical for control of the Senate and the future of democracy.
The Democratic candidate, U.S. Congressman Chris Pappas, is a strong advocate for campaign finance reform. In 2023, he voted for the Freedom to Vote Act, which would increase access to voting and the transparency of political spending. The bill passed the House, but a Senate Republican filibuster killed it. Pappas is also the primary House sponsor of the Disclose Act, which would require more timely and complete disclosure of political spending. If elected to the Senate, he would reintroduce the Democracy for All Amendment. This bill would restore the limitations on political spending by corporations and individuals that were abolished by the 2010 Supreme Court “Citizens United” decision.
This disastrous decision led to the creation of super PACS and an explosion of billionaire spending on elections and lobbying. Much of this spending is through dark money groups with misleading names, such as “Citizens United,” which represents right-wing billionaires, not ordinary citizens. These billionaires do not want a democratic form of government with fair taxation. They want lower taxes for themselves, fewer environmental regulations, and cuts to government services.
The Republican candidate, John E. Sununu, is a former U.S. Senator and brother of former NH Governor Chris Sununu, who opposed the bipartisan N.H. legislation to overturn Citizens United. John Sununu is endorsed by President Donald Trump and Republican N.H. House leaders Jason Osborne and Joe Sweeney, who are both members of the Free State Project. The Project is closely affiliated with the Koch network, which orchestrated the 2010 Supreme Court decision.
Pappas has raised more money in New Hampshire than Sununu, but they are close in the polls. In addition, the Republican Senate super PAC has pledged to spend $7 million more on the race than the Democratic counterpart. Sununu may also have access to some of Trump’s $400 million MAGA Inc and Elon Musk’s $100 million America PAC.
To flip the US Senate and reform our corrupt campaign finance system, NH voters must choose Pappas for U.S. Senator on Nov. 3.