AGP Executive Report

U.S. Senate showdown in NH: With the Shaheen seat now open, the general-election matchup is set: Democrat Chris Pappas leads in a new Rasmussen poll while Republican John Sununu is closing the gap, and both sides are already teeing up a high-spend, high-heat campaign. Primary turnout and momentum: New Hampshire’s top election official says Democrats outperformed Republicans in the state’s primary turnout by about 40,000 ballots, a sign Democrats may carry energy into November. Election rules fight: NH Secretary of State David Scanlan joined other GOP secretaries of state urging the U.S. Supreme Court to block Trump’s new mail-in ballot rules, warning late changes could confuse voters and erode confidence. Healthcare politics with NH in the mix: Trump announced $500 Obamacare-related rebate checks for nearly 1 million Americans in 30 states using the federal exchange, including New Hampshire—while a separate report notes New Mexico won’t be eligible. State courts and ballot questions: A lawsuit challenges a November school funding ballot question on property-tax limits, and a judge is set to decide whether a local school tax cap question stays on the ballot. State Senate policy contrast: In a District 8 race, Republican Jim Creighton and Democrat David Trumble clash over property tax relief, housing, childcare, and energy plans. National GOP spending: A Trump-linked super PAC is reserving millions in ad time, including in New Hampshire, as Republicans try to defend control of Congress.

Health Care & Consumer Relief: The White House says it will send $500 Obamacare refund checks to nearly 1 million Americans in 30 states, including New Hampshire, starting in October, arguing the Biden administration charged “user fees” through Healthcare.gov premiums that exceeded what was needed to run the exchange. 9/11 Commemoration: Americans marked the 25th anniversary of Sept. 11 with memorial rituals and readings of victims’ names, as President Trump attended the Pentagon ceremony and Vice President JD Vance was set for New York’s National September 11 Memorial. NH Politics & Federal Spending: A Reuters report says Trump and Elon Musk-linked groups have begun pouring money into battleground Senate races, with New Hampshire listed among the states seeing reserved TV ad time. Local Economy & Infrastructure: A new report highlights the Pease International Tradeport’s “uniquely important” role in New Hampshire’s economic base, as the Pease Development Authority looks toward “retooling” for life science users. Public Safety & Justice: A Portsmouth man accused in a 1993 Kittery murder remains jailed after a Maine judge denied bail, citing later DNA testing.

Obamacare Refunds in NH: The Trump administration says nearly 1 million Americans in 30 states—including New Hampshire—will get $500 checks for alleged federal “user fee” overcharges tied to the Obamacare exchange, with payments starting in October. U.S. Senate Race in NH: As the general election kicks off, Democrats are pushing a “Stop Sununu Tour” in Manchester, arguing GOP nominee John E. Sununu will back Trump on tariffs, Iran, and Medicaid, while Sununu and Chris Pappas trade record-based attacks. Mail Ballot Fight: Republican secretaries of state, including New Hampshire’s, asked the Supreme Court to block a Trump mail-in ballot rule before the 2026 midterms, warning late changes could disrupt voting and erode confidence. PUC/Utility Costs: Rep. Maggie Goodlander secured intervening status in a New Hampshire Public Utilities Commission hearing over Liberty Utilities’ proposed rate hikes that could raise natural gas bills. Privacy Clash: New Hampshire residents are suing over government-funded “Mînut” monitors installed in public housing units, alleging intrusive surveillance. 9/11 Remembrance: Multiple NH stories mark the 25th anniversary, including how students and families are keeping the day’s meaning alive.

New Hampshire Senate showdown locks in: With the Sept. 8 primaries over, John Sununu and Chris Pappas are set for the open U.S. Senate seat, a race that could swing control of the chamber. Reuters reports both cruised past challengers, but the contest now turns on whether voters blame President Trump’s unpopularity and the Iran war for GOP prospects—or reward Sununu’s name recognition and Trump’s endorsement. Outside money ramps up: A Trump-linked super PAC has committed $47.4 million across battleground races including New Hampshire, underscoring how national spending is likely to define the fall. Election administration & integrity fights: A new analysis of secretary of state races warns that election denialism has already shifted some contests toward Democrats, and a separate legal push from Kentucky AGs targets states’ ability to require proof of citizenship to vote. Local politics with national resonance: Planned Parenthood of Northern New England is backing Democratic candidates for New Hampshire’s Executive Council, aiming to change how the GOP-controlled panel handles health contracts. Community & policy beyond campaigns: Dover is unveiling a permanent 9/11 memorial for the 25th anniversary, while UNH’s offshore aquaculture project highlights efforts to grow domestic seafood.

NH Senate math and party mood: After Tuesday’s primaries, New Hampshire Democrats leaned left and turned out more than Republicans, with one analysis pointing to roughly a third of Democratic primary voters backing a socialist-leaning candidate in the U.S. Senate race—fueling GOP claims of “extremism” and “apathy” on the other side. NH Democrats regroup: At a post-primary breakfast at Saint Anselm’s, Stefany Shaheen and Chris Pappas tried to unify the party for November, but the event underscored one big holdout—Karishma Manzur—who skipped and hasn’t committed to backing Pappas. NH GOP nominee spotlight: The GOP’s Senate nomination is set for John E. Sununu vs. Pappas, with national money and attention expected to intensify as the fall campaign ramps up. Federal/state enforcement: New Hampshire’s AG announced a Bow search warrant tied to a human trafficking and prostitution investigation at Yihong Spa, with no arrests yet and the probe ongoing. Local civic life: Plymouth hosted a community screening announcement for “Saving Walden’s World,” and Tilton is holding a free land-conservation forum for residents. National politics backdrop: In Dallas, Trump used the GOP’s first-ever midterm convention to argue the Iran war will end after Election Day, while Democrats and Republicans continue to clash over turnout and messaging heading into November.

NH Senate showdown set: After Tuesday’s primaries, former Sen. John E. Sununu (R) and Rep. Chris Pappas (D) will face off in November for the open seat left by Jeanne Shaheen, with both races projected as winners and the contest now framed as a potential swing for control of the U.S. Senate. NH House and GOP rematches: In the 1st District, Shaheen’s daughter Stefany Shaheen won the Democratic nod and will take on GOP nominee Anthony DiLorenzo; in the 2nd District, Maggie Goodlander cruised in the Democratic primary while Lily Tang Williams won the GOP nomination. Local politics with national stakes: The week’s coverage also highlighted how outside money and party establishment dynamics are shaping NH’s competitive races heading into the fall. Data center fight in Nottingham: Voters approved a 12-month moratorium on new data center development, a rare issue that drew cross-party support. Education and federal posture: The Trump administration promoted a K-12 “Learning Agenda Playbook” for states even as it continues efforts to scale back the Education Department’s role. Trade and prices backdrop: Trump’s Canada trade escalation—banning some dairy, alcohol, and motorcycles—adds to the affordability pressure Republicans are trying to manage at the ballot box.

U.S. Senate: New Hampshire voters picked the nominees for the open seat left by retiring Sen. Jeanne Shaheen, setting up a November showdown between Republican former Sen. John E. Sununu and Democratic Rep. Chris Pappas after both won their primaries Tuesday. Democratic primary: Pappas defeated progressive challenger Karishma Manzur, with AP projecting a clear win, while Democrats framed the contest as a fight over ideology and Israel-related messaging. Republican primary: Sununu beat former Sen. Scott Brown, with Trump’s endorsement a major factor in the GOP race, and Sununu immediately pivoted to affordability and cost-of-living themes. Party reaction: The NH Democratic Party attacked Sununu as a “pro-Trump puppet,” while Republicans and Trump-aligned allies celebrated the nomination. Other major races: Gov. Kelly Ayotte won the GOP nomination and will face unopposed Democratic nominee Cinde Warmington in November; Warmington’s Purdue Pharma ties remain a flashpoint. Congress: In NH-01, Trump-backed businessman Anthony DiLorenzo won the GOP nomination; the Democratic side was still too close to call between Stefany Shaheen and Maura Sullivan. NH-02: Maggie Goodlander and Lily Tang Williams won their primaries, setting up a rematch. Voter mood: Multiple reports highlighted low enthusiasm and distrust among primary voters, with some expressing disgust or ambivalence at the choices on the ballot.

New Hampshire Primary Day: Voters head to the polls Tuesday, Sept. 8, choosing nominees for the open U.S. Senate seat left by retiring Sen. Jeanne Shaheen, plus races for both U.S. House seats, governor, Executive Council, and the state legislature—an outcome that could shape Democrats’ chances to win Senate control. Dem Senate Fight: Rep. Chris Pappas enters the Democratic primary as the frontrunner, but progressive challenger Karishma Manzur has narrowed the gap in late polling, setting up a high-stakes test for the party’s ideological direction. GOP Senate Nomination: On the Republican side, former Sen. John E. Sununu is positioned as the favorite to win the nomination, with the contest framed as part of a broader national scramble for Senate control. Voting Logistics: Officials remind Granite Staters to bring photo ID to get a ballot, and note undeclared voters can pick which party’s ballot to vote in. I-95 Service Plaza Update: A troubled Hampton I-95 service plaza redevelopment remains tied up in procurement missteps and a lawsuit, with the state still navigating how to rebuild the aging facilities. Local Governance & Growth: Berlin approved a plan to convert the former Northland Dairy Bar into a Revo Casino and Social House, adding another entertainment option as the state’s casino footprint expands. Public Safety: NH Fish and Game reported an injured hiker rescue on Mount Monadnock, funded through the Hike Safe Card and Search and Rescue Fund.

NH Senate primary stakes: With Jeanne Shaheen retiring, Tuesday’s New Hampshire U.S. Senate primaries set up a high-attention showdown: Democrats choose between Rep. Chris Pappas and Dr. Karishma Manzur, with a University of New Hampshire poll showing Pappas ahead (47%-34%) as progressives try to surge late. GOP field: On the Republican side, former Sens. John Sununu and Scott Brown are leading a crowded nomination fight, with Trump backing Sununu and Brown positioning himself as more aligned with today’s GOP. Final sprint in CD1: In the 1st Congressional District Democratic primary, Stefany Shaheen is pushing hard for Tuesday after last-minute endorsements, including support from former Rep. Carol Shea-Porter and Christian Urrutia. Money and messaging: Outside spending and national figures loom large, including reporting that Elon Musk’s America PAC spent more than $91,000 in New Hampshire targeting Sununu. Voters head to polls: Polling rules and turnout expectations are front and center as Granite Staters prepare to vote Tuesday. Local governance & courts: A Chesterfield police lieutenant sued the town over an internal investigation and termination; separately, Portsmouth’s “super councils” plan was paused after legal review.

NH Senate primary stakes: With Tuesday’s Sept. 8 vote looming, the AP frames New Hampshire’s open U.S. Senate seat as a key piece of Democrats’ math to win back the chamber, highlighting the Democratic contest between Rep. Chris Pappas and socialist challenger Karishma Manzur, plus the GOP field that includes former Sens. John Sununu and Scott Brown. Labor Day politics in Concord: A pro-labor rally on the State House lawn put pocketbook worries front and center, with voters saying jobs and housing costs aren’t being addressed. Cybersecurity and water systems: New Hampshire officials say they’re not aware of impacts from a recent multi-state cyberattack wave tied by the federal government to Iran, but warn that systems are “always being probed.” Local election logistics: Coverage also points to voter turnout expectations and practical guidance for getting to the polls. National policy ripple: A federal bill would tighten the refundable Child Tax Credit by lowering the earned-income threshold, a change that could hit low-income families well beyond New Hampshire.

U.S. Senate primary stakes: With New Hampshire’s Sept. 8 primary days away, Democrats are sounding alarms about losing the Shaheen seat, as national attention and outside money intensify the fight for the open U.S. Senate nomination. Democratic contest churn: In the 1st District Democratic race, Christian Urrutia dropped out and backed Stefany Shaheen, framing the choice as Shaheen versus Maura Sullivan. GOP primary vibe check: New Hampshire Republicans are leaning toward familiar names in the Senate GOP contest—John Sununu versus Scott Brown—despite broader anti-establishment trends elsewhere. Local politics with statewide impact: Hudson’s primary is mostly quiet locally, but the state races on the ballot could still shape November. Policy and pocketbook: A federal bill would expand the Child Tax Credit for working families by lowering the earned-income threshold, while New Hampshire continues to grapple with PFAS fallout, including another $7.3 million payment tied to 3M. Health coverage risk: Nearly 300 New Hampshire residents are set to lose Medicaid, including an 86-year-old Ukrainian woman in a nursing facility, as coverage rules shift.

NH Senate primary stakes: With Tuesday’s Sept. 8 vote looming, the Democratic U.S. Senate race is tightening as Rep. Chris Pappas faces scientist Karishma Manzur, while the GOP contest for the open seat pits familiar names—former Sen. John Sununu vs. Scott Brown—both leaning into “back-to-the-future” comfort for voters. Democratic messaging fights: In the 1st District Democratic scrum, candidates are trying to outflank each other on progressive priorities, with weekend pushes underscoring turnout and party direction. Local elections with state ripple effects: Hudson’s local primary looks quiet, but the Sept. 8 state races will determine who advances to November for State House, State Senate, and Executive Council. Campaign logistics: A Seacoast voter guide and full candidate lists are circulating as the primary approaches, alongside coverage of how to vote and what’s on the ballot. Public policy and pocketbook: NH’s business coverage highlights the state’s last-in-the-nation ranking for state support of public education, and separate reporting explains why NH’s unusual auto-insurance setup keeps premiums relatively low. Public safety: A fentanyl chase ending in Haverhill led to two arrests and about 1,225 grams seized. Health coverage impact: One 86-year-old Ukrainian woman in NH is among nearly 300 expected to lose Medicaid under upcoming eligibility changes. Federal legal case: A Chichester man was indicted for allegedly running an unlicensed hawala operation moving more than $25 million to Yemen.

NH Senate primary stakes: With Jeanne Shaheen out, Tuesday’s New Hampshire U.S. Senate primaries will decide who challenges the GOP in a seat Democrats are trying to hold, and national attention is already landing on the Democratic field led by Rep. Chris Pappas. Dem debate on Israel: In the WMUR Democratic Senate forum, Karishma Manzur repeatedly centered Benjamin Netanyahu in her pitch to voters, arguing Israel’s actions are driving U.S. policy and military priorities. Election prep and rules: NH election officials are reminding voters about recent changes, including identification requirements for voter registration and absentee voting ahead of the Sept. 8 primaries. Cybersecurity for water systems: A new report highlights how New Hampshire water suppliers are being probed by hackers and why AI is making the threat harder for small operators to defend against. Outside money in NH politics: Reporting also points to heavy national spending patterns, including Elon Musk’s America PAC directing funds into competitive races that include New Hampshire. Local housing snapshot: Coos County’s HUD-assisted housing totals stayed flat in 2025, with public housing units unchanged at 55.

U.S. Senate primary stakes: With Jeanne Shaheen out, New Hampshire voters head to the Sept. 8 primary to choose a Democrat to face GOP frontrunner John Sununu—Chris Pappas is pitching lower costs and health care, while Karishma Manzur attacks big money and presses for ending the Iran war. GOP field familiar faces: In the Republican Senate primary, AP reports voters seem comfortable with “back-to-the-future” choices—Sununu and Scott Brown—despite national anti-establishment trends. Election access and rules: A federal appeals court kept in place a block on parts of New Hampshire’s 2024 anti-voting law, preserving affidavit options for eligible voters who lack citizenship documents at registration ahead of the primary. On-the-ground prep: NHPR checked in with Durham’s town clerk on how voters should handle recent ID and absentee identification changes. Outside money and attack ads: The CD1 Democratic race is drawing heavy outside spending and sharper attacks, including “red box” style messaging aimed at outside groups. Local public safety: Belmont and Moultonborough promoted new police leadership after academy graduations and a chief promotion.

Democratic US Senate primary: A tight Democratic battle between Chris Pappas and Karishma Manzur stayed front-and-center, with Pappas leaning on his House record while Manzur hammered corporate money and urged ending the Iran war. NH voting fight: A federal appeals court kept in place a ruling blocking parts of New Hampshire’s 2024 anti-voting law, preserving affidavit options for voters lacking citizenship documents ahead of the Sept. 8 primary. GOP spending pressure: New Hampshire Republicans seized on new reporting about Beijing-linked businessman Pin Ni donating to Senate Democrats, demanding answers from Chris Pappas. Primary politics in motion: NHPR and partners announced candidate forums for governor, US House, and US Senate races, and a “primary primer” guide walked voters through registration, ID, and polling hours. Statehouse safety law: New Hampshire is set to toughen penalties for drivers who pass school buses with stop signs out, including a first-offense Class B misdemeanor and license suspension. Health care politics: Maggie Hassan pressed Capital One for details after the bank closed Trump-linked accounts flagged by anti-money laundering reviews.

Housing Surveillance Fight: Tenants in Concord say the Concord Housing and Redevelopment Authority installed “Minut” smart sensors that monitor more than advertised, prompting a class action over privacy rights. Local Recall Drama: Brownfield, Maine selectmen survived recall bids after a town meeting brawl, with allegations of overspending and months of division culminating in the vote. Election Integrity Messaging: Bipartisan New Hampshire election officials and advocates pushed voters to understand how the state’s system works ahead of the Sept. 8 primary. Marijuana Policy Clash: A Democratic gubernatorial candidate argues New Hampshire should legalize cannabis and stop sending revenue to neighboring states, contrasting with Gov. Kelly Ayotte’s opposition and veto history. Cybersecurity for Water: New Hampshire water systems face constant probing from hackers, and officials warn AI is making attacks more capable—especially for small operators. Big Money Politics: Elon Musk’s America PAC disclosed about $800,000 in early spending across competitive races, including New Hampshire and Maine Senate contests. National Stakes: A new report warns Social Security’s trust fund could run dry by late 2032, risking automatic benefit cuts that could hit New Hampshire households.