Democrats beat back GOP Senate challenge in N.H. with Pappas win

Democratic Rep. Chris Pappas defeated former GOP Sen. John Sununu in the New Hampshire Senate race, AP projects, with Pappas leading 61% to 38% with 20% of votes counted. Pappas will replace retiring Sen. Jeanne Shaheen in January, keeping the seat Democratic and boosting the party's Senate control chances. Republicans saw New Hampshire as a top pickup opportunity, with Senate Majority Leader John Thune campaigning for Sununu.