The New Hampshire contest turned into a referendum on energy expenses driven by President Donald Trump's war with Iran and disrupted oil shipments. Pappas placed the blame for expensive gasoline and heating oil directly on Trump and congressional Republicans. Sununu, representing a prominent state political dynasty, argued instead that expanding domestic production would ease costs for consumers. The victory preserves Democratic control of the seat as the party seeks the net gain of four seats required to flip the Senate.
Key points
Democrats prevented a key Republican pickup opportunity in New Hampshire to aid their pus…: Democrats prevented a key Republican pickup opportunity in New Hampshire to aid their push for Senate control.
The victory keeps the competitive swing-state seat under Democratic control following eig…: The victory keeps the competitive swing-state seat under Democratic control following eighteen years of representation by Jeanne Shaheen.
High energy expenses caused by disrupted foreign oil shipments served as the primary batt…: High energy expenses caused by disrupted foreign oil shipments served as the primary battleground issue in the race.
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Pappas' victory denied Republicans a pickup in the cold-weather state, where high energy prices had become a major issue amid President Donald Trump's war with Iran. He will succeed Democrat Jeanne Shaheen, who is retiring after 18 years.
Pappas, a moderate US House member, blamed Trump and fellow Republicans for the Iran war, which has disrupted oil shipments and driven up gasoline and heating oil prices.
Sununu, a former US senator from a prominent New Hampshire political family, argued that increased domestic energy production would lower prices.
Republicans held a 53-47 Senate majority going into Tuesday's elections, with Democrats needing a net gain of four seats to take control.
New Hampshire has long been considered a swing state because of its moderate electorate, and Republicans had targeted Shaheen's seat in their drive to retain their Senate majority.
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