ONYX covered the Massachusetts Democratic Senate primary generational fight (September 7) — Ed Markey vs. Seth Moulton on the explicit age question. Today: the Republican Senate primary in the neighboring state, where a different dynastic dimension is playing out.
THE NOMINATION
New Hampshire Republicans nominated John E. Sununu for US Senate in Tuesday’s primary, with Trump’s personal endorsement. The Sununu family’s New Hampshire political history:
▸ John H. Sununu: former New Hampshire governor (1983-1989) and White House Chief of Staff under George H.W. Bush
▸ John E. Sununu: the nominee’s father; served as US Senator from New Hampshire 2003-2009
▸ Chris Sununu: the nominee’s brother; served as New Hampshire governor 2017-2023; declined to run for Senate in 2022
▸ John E. Sununu (the nominee): continuing the family’s political presence in New Hampshire’s Senate representation
THE TRUMP ENDORSEMENT DIMENSION
Trump’s personal endorsement of the Sununu nominee is a specific development given the Sununu family’s documented Republican history: Chris Sununu was publicly critical of Trump during the 2024 Republican primary before eventually endorsing him; the family’s relationship with Trump has been complex. A Trump endorsement of the Sununu candidate represents a specific alignment of the Trump-era Republican Party with a traditionally moderate New England Republican dynasty.
THE SENATE MAP
New Hampshire is a competitive Senate state. Democrats need four net Senate seats to retake the chamber. Whether the Sununu nomination makes the New Hampshire Senate seat more or less competitive in November depends on whether the Sununu name benefits from its moderate brand in a state where independents vote in large numbers.
A Sununu is running for Senate in New Hampshire with Trump’s endorsement. His brother was governor. His father was senator. His grandfather was governor. The specific question is whether the dynasty name or the Trump endorsement matters more in a state where both pull in different directions.
WHAT HAPPENS NEXT
▸ November 3 general election — New Hampshire Senate race as a competitive map seat
▸ Democrat opponent — who faces Sununu in the general election
▸ Senate majority math — whether New Hampshire is one of the four seats Democrats must flip
| CONFIDENCE: HIGH | New Hampshire Republicans nominate John E. Sununu Senate Trump endorsement from WORLD News confirmed reporting. |
SOURCES
▸ WORLD News — New Hampshire Sununu Senate primary Trump endorsement, September 9, 2026
