New Hampshire voters are casting ballots in the 2026 midterm elections, with a high-stakes open-seat race in the 1st Congressional District and an incumbent defending her turf in the 2nd. Polls closed at 7 p.m. and 8 p.m. EST, and results are streaming in from the Granite State's two House contests.
The 1st District seat, vacated by Democratic Rep. Chris Pappas—who is running for the Senate seat of retiring Democrat Jeanne Shaheen—has drawn national attention. The matchup pits Stefany Shaheen, the senator's daughter and a former Portsmouth city councilor, against Republican Anthony DiLorenzo, a businessman and former Navy pilot. The race is seen as a bellwether for suburban voters' mood, and early bellwethers suggest a tight contest.
Stefany Shaheen has campaigned on preserving abortion rights, expanding affordable housing, and protecting Social Security and Medicare. DiLorenzo, who lost to Pappas in 2022, has focused on border security, inflation, and energy independence, echoing national GOP themes. Both candidates have poured resources into a district that has swung between parties in recent cycles.
In the 2nd District, first-term Democrat Maggie Goodlander is seeking another term. She faces Republican nominee and former state representative David Wheeler. Goodlander, a former Justice Department official, has emphasized her work on veterans' issues and local infrastructure, while Wheeler has hammered her on spending and crime. The district, which includes Concord and Nashua, leans Democratic but has shown independence in past elections.
The outcomes in these races will help determine control of the House, where Republicans currently hold a slim majority. National parties have invested heavily in New Hampshire, viewing both seats as competitive. Pennsylvania's contested races and other key states are also being watched closely as the night unfolds.
Turnout has been brisk, according to early reports from the Secretary of State's office. Election officials have noted a surge in absentee ballots, which could delay final counts in some towns. Both campaigns have deployed legal observers to polling places, reflecting the heightened scrutiny of election procedures.
As returns come in, the governor's race between Republican Kelly Ayotte and Democrat Joyce Craig is also drawing attention, with implications for how the next legislature will handle redistricting and budget priorities. The House races, however, remain the primary focus for national observers.
Stay with Decision Desk HQ for live updates and analysis as the night progresses. With control of the House at stake, every seat matters, and New Hampshire's two districts could tip the balance.
