President Donald Trump endorsed former Sen. John E. Sununu in the New Hampshire Republican Senate primary on Sunday, intervening in a race for a seat currently held by retiring Democratic Sen. Jeanne Shaheen.

Trump backed Sununu over former Sen. Scott Brown, who served as an ambassador during Trump's first term, in a contest Republicans view as critical to expanding their 53-47 Senate majority. Sununu leads Brown in polling and fundraising and has secured support from the National Republican Senatorial Committee and a majority of Senate Republicans.

The primary is scheduled for September, with GOP leaders considering Sununu the strongest candidate to win the general election. Sununu holds a double-digit lead in polls, though the endorsement has sparked debate within the Republican base regarding alignment with the America First movement.

Trump's Endorsement Sparks Party Tensions

As Fox News reported, Trump's nod to Sununu came with high praise, signaling confidence in the former three-term representative's ability to carry the torch for key GOP priorities. "America First Patriot," Trump called him, emphasizing Sununu's potential to push forward the agenda that resonates with so many frustrated by years of establishment gridlock. This endorsement, however, isn't sitting well with some in New Hampshire's MAGA base who see it as a betrayal of grassroots energy.

Sununu's history of opposing Trump, including his support for rivals like John Kasich in 2016 and Nikki Haley in the recent primary, has long been a sticking point for loyalists. He even penned a scathing piece titled "Donald Trump is a loser" in a local paper, a move that still stings for many who fought for Trump's vision. Yet, Trump's decision to back Sununu suggests a strategic play to secure a winnable candidate over past grudges.

Scott Brown, who endorsed Trump early in 2016 and served as ambassador to New Zealand, isn’t backing down despite the uphill battle. He insists that New Hampshire voters deserve options, not a coronation, and frames his campaign as a lifelong commitment to service rather than a political stepping stone. Brown’s priorities—economic strength, border security, energy reliability, and veteran care—align with the core concerns of many Granite State conservatives.

Brown Stands Firm Against Odds

"I’ve always believed that the people of New Hampshire are the ultimate authority on our future, and they deserve a choice between candidates seeking to earn their support," Brown declared. His resolve to stay in the race, despite Sununu's advantages, speaks to a belief that grassroots energy can still sway primaries. But with Sununu doubling Brown’s fundraising in recent months, the financial gap is a steep hurdle.

Some MAGA activists have voiced sharp discontent with Trump's pick, calling it a "slap in the face to grassroots supporters" on social media. They argue the Sununu family has often undermined the America First movement, pointing to both John E. and his brother, former Gov. Chris Sununu, as establishment figures. This faction vows to ramp up opposition, which could fracture party unity heading into the general election.

Sununu, for his part, has deep roots in New Hampshire politics, with his father, John H. Sununu, serving as governor and in the George H.W. Bush White House. This legacy, combined with his own past victory over Shaheen in 2002—though he lost the 2008 rematch—makes him a familiar name to voters. Still, familiarity alone won’t quiet the storm brewing among those who feel his past criticisms of Trump disqualify him.

Democrats Gear Up for Battle

On the Democratic side, Rep. Chris Pappas, a four-term congressman, emerges as the clear front-runner for his party’s nomination, outpacing both Sununu and Brown in fourth-quarter fundraising last year. Polls show Pappas with a single-digit lead over Sununu and a wider margin over Brown in hypothetical matchups, setting the stage for a bruising general election. Another Democrat, Karishma Manzur, is also in the race, though Pappas holds the momentum.

For conservatives, the stakes in New Hampshire couldn’t be higher, as this seat joins open races in Michigan and a vulnerable Democratic incumbent in Georgia as must-wins for expanding Senate control. Losing here could embolden the left to push more of their tired, out-of-touch policies that prioritize ideology over practical solutions. The GOP needs a fighter who can reclaim this seat from years of Democratic grip.

Sununu’s endorsement by Trump and the Senate Leadership Fund, which declared the primary effectively over, suggests the party brass is circling the wagons. Yet Brown’s refusal to exit and the grumbling from the base hint at a primary that’s far from settled. This internal clash could either sharpen the eventual nominee or leave wounds for Democrats to exploit.

High Stakes for Senate Majority

The midterm elections loom large, and New Hampshire’s outcome could tip the balance of power in Washington. Republicans see Sununu as the safe bet to challenge Pappas, given his name recognition and party support, but Brown’s persistence keeps the race dynamic. The question remains whether Trump’s influence can unify a divided base in time.

For now, conservatives must weigh loyalty to Trump’s strategic pick against lingering doubts about Sununu’s commitment to the America First cause. Brown’s campaign, though outmatched in funds, taps into a real frustration with political dynasties and insider games. This primary is shaping up to be a test of whether principle or pragmatism will win out.

As September approaches, all eyes are on New Hampshire—not just for who wins the GOP nod, but for how the party resolves this tension. A unified front is essential to flipping this seat and sending a message to Democrats that their days of unchecked influence are numbered. Let’s hope the right fighter emerges to take on Pappas and secure a victory for common-sense values.