Former New Hampshire GOP Senate candidate endorses Pappas over Sununu

Former Republican congressional candidate Don Bolduc on Friday backed Democratic Rep. Chris Pappas in New Hampshire’s open Senate race.

Bolduc launched an unsuccessful bid to represent the state in the U.S. Senate in 2022 with the support of President Trump. Pappas is running against Republican nominee John E. Sununu in the November election.

In a statement shared with the New Hampshire Union Leader , the retired Army brigadier general commended the Democrat for his “unwavering dedication to our veterans” and focus on “bipartisan cooperation.”

“His ability to navigate the complex landscape of our economy, tackle the national debt with a steady hand, and work towards solutions that bridge divides is especially critical in today’s challenging political climate,” Bolduc continued.

The Democratic nominee welcomed Bolduc’s endorsement in a social media post on Friday morning.

“We’re building a growing coalition of Republicans, Democrats, and independents who are willing to put country before party and work toward a better future,” Pappas said. “Grateful to everyone who’s joining this team.”

Pappas has maintained his lead in the race to replace retiring Sen. Jeanne Shaheen (D). In a New Hampshire Institute of Politics poll released Tuesday, the Democrat had a 7-point advantage among likely voters in the state. A September survey from The New York Times and Siena University showed the Democrat ahead by 5 points in the midterm contest.

The Cook Political Report , a nonpartisan election forecaster, shifted its rating of the race from a “toss-up” to leaning in favor of Democrats earlier this month following positive polling numbers for Pappas.