InDepthNH.org (https://indepthnh.org/author/andrew-e-smith-ph-d/)
In the race for the open seat of retiring U.S. Senator Jeanne Shaheen, her predecessor, former Senator John E. Sununu, leads former Massachusetts Senator Scott Brown for the Republican nomination, while Congressman Chris Pappas is the Democratic favorite. Pappas leads both Sununu and Brown in general election matchups.
UNH Survey Center More than three-quarters of Granite Staters say prices on everyday items have increased in the past year and a majority expect that to continue.
Support for President Trump’s handling of the economy continues to decline in New Hampshire, with tariffs most often cited as the reason.
Former Senator John E. Sununu leads 2014 GOP nominee Scott Brown for the Republican nomination for U.S. Senate in 2026, both of whom trail Congressman Chris Pappas for the general election.
Granite Staters’ assessment of their current household finances and predictions for their financial future remain mixed.
New Hampshire residents are divided in their assessment of first-term Governor Kelly Ayotte’s performance, with both supporters and detractors citing her handling of education as a major influence on their opinion.
A majority of New Hampshire residents do not want the U.S. Congress to pass President Trump’s signature piece of legislation, the “One Big Beautiful Bill Act,” amid bipartisan concern about the federal debt.
Approval of President Trump’s job performance has declined slightly among Granite Staters since his inauguration. On foreign policy, most New Hampshire residents think Trump’s plan to accept a jet from Qatar is inappropriate.
Support for President Trump’s handling of the economy has fallen since February. A majority disapprove of Trump’s use of tariffs and most see Canada and Mexico, two targets of Trump’s tariffs, as allies or friends of the United States.