CONCORD, United States: New Hampshire primaries on Tuesday tested President Donald Trump’s influence in a competitive Senate race while progressive Democrats challenged party-backed candidates.
Trump endorsed former Republican senator John Sununu, who faced former Massachusetts senator Scott Brown and other candidates for the GOP nomination.
On the Democratic side, Representative Chris Pappas entered the Senate primary as the front-runner. He faced Karishma Manzur, a scientist and Democratic Socialists of America member who supports policies including “Medicare for All.”
The open Senate seat became available after Democratic Senator Jeanne Shaheen announced her retirement. Sununu represented New Hampshire in the Senate from 2003 to 2008.
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Trump, Senate Majority Leader John Thune and the National Republican Senatorial Committee backed his campaign. The state also held competitive House primaries. In the 1st Congressional District, Democrats competed for the seat Pappas left open.
Leading contenders included former Defence Department official Maura Sullivan, Stefany Shaheen and progressive union organiser Carleigh Beriont. Trump endorsed auto businessman Anthony DiLorenzo in the Republican contest for that district.
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In New Hampshire’s other House district, Democratic Representative Maggie Goodlander faced state Representative Paige Beauchemin, who campaigned from the party’s progressive wing.
Polling places were scheduled to close between 7 p.m. and 8 p.m. Eastern Time, depending on the municipality.
