Sununu Criticizes DNC’s Primary Calendar Change in New Hampshire Senate Bid

John Sununu, a former U.S. Senator from New Hampshire now running for the Republican Senate nomination, criticized the Democratic National Committee on Tuesday for removing his state’s coveted status as the first primary contest. Speaking on the “Ruthless Podcast,” Sununu argued that New Hampshire’s position allowed lesser-known candidates with limited resources to compete effectively through direct voter engagement.

Sununu attributed New Hampshire’s importance to its highly engaged electorate, which consistently produces the nation’s highest primary turnout rates. He faulted Democratic Representative Chris Pappas for failing to adequately defend the state’s first-primary designation within party leadership, calling the loss of this status a significant setback.

The DNC approved a revised primary calendar designed to elevate racially diverse states earlier in the nominating process. South Carolina and Nevada will now precede New Hampshire’s proposed February 8 contest. The change reflects lessons learned from 2020, when New Hampshire’s fifth-place finish for Joe Biden preceded his comeback victory in South Carolina.

Sununu, seeking to replace retiring Democratic Senator Jeanne Shaheen, faces fellow former Senator Scott Brown in the Republican primary scheduled for September 8. Sununu leads in polling and would likely oppose Pappas in the general election, which Fox News rates as leaning Democratic.

Sununu emphasized his background in engineering, manufacturing, and small business as qualifications for office. He stressed his understanding of how federal regulations affect job creation and economic growth, distinguishing himself from other candidates in the race.