New Hampshire Primary Results Favor Incumbents

New Hampshire's primary elections, held on September 13, 2022, largely saw incumbent candidates secure victories, setting the stage for the upcoming US midterm elections. The outcomes provided key insights into the political landscape of the state, which is often seen as a bellwether for national trends. In the race for the U.S. Senate seat, incumbent Democratic Senator Maggie Hassan defeated Republican challenger Don Bolduc. Hassan, who has served in the Senate since 2017, focused her campaign on her legislative record and her opposition to Republican policies. Bolduc, a retired Army brigadier general, had campaigned on issues such as election integrity and border security. The outcome of this race is significant as Democrats aim to retain their slim majority in the Senate.

In the gubernatorial contest, Republican incumbent Governor Chris Sununu won re-election against Democratic challenger Tom Donovan. Sununu, who has been governor since 2017, ran on his record of fiscal responsibility and his handling of the state's economy. Donovan, a former state senator, had campaigned on issues such as reproductive rights and climate change. Sununu's victory further solidifies the Republican party's hold on the state's executive branch. The New Hampshire primary also featured several U.S. House of Representatives races. In the 1st Congressional District, incumbent Democratic Representative Chris Pappas secured his re-election against Republican challenger Karoline Leavitt. Pappas, first elected in 2018, emphasized his work on issues affecting working families. Leavitt, a former congressional aide, had focused her campaign on national conservative themes.

In the 2nd Congressional District, incumbent Democratic Representative Annie Kuster also won her re-election bid against Republican challenger Robert Burns. Kuster, who has represented the district since 2013, highlighted her efforts in healthcare and constituent services. Burns, a businessman, had campaigned on economic issues and government reform. The results across these key races indicate a strong performance by incumbent candidates in New Hampshire. This trend suggests that voters in the state may be leaning towards stability and familiarity in a period of national political uncertainty. The Republican party's aim to gain a stronger foothold in New England, particularly in New Hampshire, faced challenges with these results, while Democrats successfully defended their Senate seat and maintained their House representation. The performance of these candidates and the issues they championed will likely influence broader campaign strategies as the midterm elections approach.