Trump’s 2022 Pick Defies Him, Backs Greek American Pappas for Senate
A former Trump-endorsed Republican is now backing the Democrat running against Trump's chosen candidate in New Hampshire. Don Bolduc, the retired Army brigadier general who received Trump's endorsement in the 2022 Senate race, has announced his support for Greek-American Democratic Congressman Chris Pappas ahead of November's Senate election.
Pappas, a descendant of Greek immigrants from Manchester, is running against former Republican Senator John Sununu, who has Trump's endorsement this cycle. Bolduc is one of 58 Republicans and independents who have joined Pappas's newly formed "Country Before Party" steering committee, a coalition aimed at drawing cross-party support.
An AARP poll showed Pappas ahead of Sununu 51% to 44% among likely voters.
In a statement from the Pappas campaign, Bolduc cited the congressman's dedication to veterans and his track record on bipartisan cooperation. He also voiced confidence in Pappas's handling of economic issues and the national debt. Bolduc lost to Democratic Senator Maggie Hassan in 2022 and has publicly criticized Trump since then.
Former Republican state Senator Rick Russman is also backing Pappas, along with Sarah Stewart, who was appointed to a state commissioner role by former Governor Chris Sununu. The defections put a notable crack in Republican unity behind the Trump-endorsed candidate.
The New Hampshire race is rated as leaning Democrat by the Cook Political Report, and an AARP poll released October 6 showed Pappas ahead of Sununu 51% to 44% among likely voters. Among voters aged 50 and older, the margin tightened to 49% to 48%.
Pappas is seeking the seat being vacated by retiring Democratic Senator Jeanne Shaheen. Sununu held a Senate seat from 2003 to 2009 and is now attempting a political comeback with Trump's backing.
