Jeanne Shaheen

CONCORD, N.H. (WCAX) - Democrats will keep a key U.S. Senate seat. Rep. Chris Pappas has won the race to replace retiring New Hampshire Sen. Jeanne Shaheen, over Republican John E. Sununu.

Sununu conceded the race about 15 minutes after all the polls had closed in New Hampshire.

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“Voters in New Hampshire and all across the country simply have had enough and are demanding a change in direction. And I am ready to apply for the challenges that we face and the hard work that it will take to move forward. Whether it’s building the housing New Hampshire needs, expanding access to healthcare and childcare, saving Social Security, protecting our planet, restoring reproductive freedom, rooting out corruption, or holding this administration accountable, we don’t have a moment to waste, do we?” Pappas said to supporters Tuesday night.

Shaheen, a Democrat, has held the seat for the last 18 years. The balance of power in Washington is on the line as Democrats fight to keep it. The race between Pappas and Sununu was competitive and contentious.

Explore the interactive Midterm Election Map.

Both candidates were clear front-runners for their party’s nominations.

President Trump endorsed Sununu early in the Republican primary. But Sununu worked to distance himself from Trump, who has seen less than favorable polls in the Granite State. Sununu served one term in the U.S. Senate two decades ago.

Pappas, a four-term congressman, said the race was a referendum on the president and worked to try to keep the seat blue after Shaheen announced she would not seek reelection.

Explore New Hampshire Interactive Results.

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