New Hampshire and Maine Vote Budgets, Governors and Senate Seats

What's happened

Voters in New Hampshire and Maine are deciding races for U.S. Senate, governor and House seats. Campaigns emphasize affordability and independence as outside spending surges. Poll closings vary by locality, with results expected as votes are tallied across multiple jurisdictions.

What's behind the headline?

Analysis

The races in New Hampshire and Maine are testbeds for national dynamics, with independents and moderates shaping outcomes as parties struggle with inflation and cost-of-living concerns.
Pappas has highlighted independence from party establishment, aiming to attract swing voters, while Sununu leans on name recognition and modest alignment with the party at times.
In Maine, Collins is defending a seat in what remains a blue-leaning state, while Dunlap runs a competitive campaign highlighting local affordability issues.
Expect outside groups to continue pouring money into both states, with air-war tactics aimed at swaying independent voters who may decide late in the race.
The results will influence control of the Senate and shape the broader political landscape heading into the next Congress.

How we got here

Voters in New Hampshire and Maine face high-profile contests this fall. In New Hampshire, Democrat Chris Pappas and Republican John Sununu are competing for the Senate seat once held by Janet Shaheen’s term; outside spending and cost-of-living concerns shape the race. The state also features governor and House races, with independents influencing outcomes. In Maine, Sen. Susan Collins faces Democrat Matt Dunlap amid broad campaign spending and a heated statewide race. Both states show a pattern of splitting tickets, reflecting voter willingness to divide support between parties.

Our analysis

AP News coverage on NH and Maine Senate and gubernatorial races; Local reporting on House races in NH-1, NH-2, and Maine districts; Analysis of campaign spending from AP Decision Team.

Go deeper

Will independent voters in NH and ME determine the outcomes of these races?
How will outside spending impact the final tallies in these tight contests?
What are the key issues likely to sway voters beyond affordability?