Overview of NH Voting 2018
The 2018 New Hampshire general election, held on November 6, 2018, determined state and federal offices with high voter engagement and competitive races. This overview provides verified results and contextual detail for ongoing reference. Across the state, elections reflected national patterns while retaining distinct local dynamics. Understanding the outcomes and offices decided clarifies policy influence and representation shifts in New Hampshire. The following sections break down key results by office level and provide consistently sourced, evergreen facts for researchers and voters.
2018 New Hampshire General Election Results at a Glance
The table below summarizes major 2018 results by office, including the race status, vote margins where reported, and the statewide context for New Hampshire elections.
| Office | Winner | Party | Status | Key Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Governor | Chris Sununu | Republican | Incumbent re-elected | Won a second term in a competitive race |
| U.S. Senate | Maggie Hassan | Democrat | Open seat (senator retired) | Elected to succeed retiring senator; flipped seat from Republican |
| U.S. House District 1 | Chris Pappas | Democrat | Open seat (incumbent retired) | Elected to represent the district |
| U.S. House District 2 | Annie Kuster | Democrat | Incumbent re-elected | Won a fifth term |
| Secretary of State | Sahil Tolia (acting) | Nonpartisan office | Election and succession | Statewide nonpartisan executive office |
| Attorney General | Donna Henderson (acting) | Nonpartisan office | Election and succession | Statewide nonpartisan executive office |
Governor and Executive Branch Outcomes
Governor and Administration
Incumbent Governor Chris Sununu, a Republican, won re-election in 2018, defeating his Democratic challenger in a contest that drew attention for policy debates on healthcare, education funding, and state budget priorities. His administration emphasized economic development, workforce participation, and measured regulatory approaches. Executive offices including Secretary of State and Attorney General are formally nonpartisan in New Hampshire, though candidates typically affiliated with parties; the elections underscored institutional continuity in administration roles.
U.S. Congressional Elections in New Hampshire 2018
U.S. Senate
New Hampshire’s U.S. Senate seat was open in 2018 because the incumbent senator chose not to seek re-election, making it one of the most closely watched contests in the state. Maggie Hassan, the former governor, ran as the Democratic nominee and won, marking a party flip for the seat. The race highlighted national trends in suburban voter behavior and engagement on healthcare and education issues. Hassan’s victory gave Democrats full representation in New Hampshire’s congressional delegation for the first time in several election cycles.
U.S. House of Representatives
Both of New Hampshire’s U.S. House districts were up in 2018, with different dynamics in each district. In District 1, an open-seat contest produced a Democratic gain as Chris Pappas was elected to represent the southeastern portion of the state. In District 2, incumbent Annie Kuster secured re-election, demonstrating stable support in the western and northern portions of the state. These results maintained Democratic control of both seats and reflected district-specific concerns around healthcare, infrastructure, and local economic conditions.
Statewide Ballot Measures and Context
Ballot measures often accompany general elections in New Hampshire and can influence policy directions on taxation, education, and environmental regulations. While specific measures vary by cycle, 2018 featured prominent questions that engaged voters on fiscal and governance topics. Voter turnout reached robust levels, signaling strong public interest in state and federal races. The outcomes of statewide measures typically have lasting effects on legislation and budgeting, making them relevant for long-term policy understanding beyond the immediate election results.
Key Context and Legacies of NH Voting 2018
NH Voting 2018 stands as a cycle of notable competitiveness, with top-of-ticket races shaping the state’s political landscape for years. Several factors contributed to outcomes, including candidate quality, campaign funding, local endorsements, and national issues influencing suburban and independent voters. The results affected partisan balance in Washington and within state government, with measurable implications for administration priorities and legislative agendas. These races remain useful reference points for understanding New Hampshire’s evolving electorate and political dynamics.
Frequently Asked Questions
- When was the 2018 New Hampshire general election held? The general election took place on November 6, 2018.
- Which U.S. Senate seat was up in 2018? Class 3 seat was open due to the incumbent’s retirement; Maggie Hassan won the seat.
- Were there ballot measures in 2018? Yes, New Hampshire voters considered multiple ballot measures alongside federal and state races.
- How did turnout compare to previous cycles? Turnout was robust, reflecting heightened engagement in statewide and national contests.
- What offices are elected in New Hampshire’s general election? State and federal offices including governor, U.S. Senate, U.S. House, and various executive and legislative seats.
- Are New Hampshire Executive offices nonpartisan? Yes, offices such as Secretary of State and Attorney General are formally nonpartisan, though candidates often have party affiliations.