U.S. Senate
One of New Hampshire’s two seats in the United States Senate is on the ballot in 2026. Senators serve six-year terms and are responsible for writing and passing federal legislation, confirming presidential appointments for judges and cabinet members, and ratifying treaties. With Democratic incumbent Jeanne Shaheen not seeking a fourth term, this will be an open-seat race, making it one of the most closely watched contests in the country. The outcome will help determine which party controls the U.S. Senate for the following two years.
U.S. House of Representatives
All 435 seats in the U.S. House are up for election every two years, and New Hampshire is no exception. Voters in both of the state's two congressional districts will elect a representative. Representatives serve
two-year terms and are tasked with creating and voting on federal laws and budgets. The 1st Congressional District seat is open as incumbent Chris Pappas is running for the Senate. These elections are critical in deciding which party holds the majority in the House of Representatives.
Governor
New Hampshire is one of only two states in the nation that elects its governor for a two-year term, meaning the office is on the ballot in every even-numbered year. The governor is the state's chief executive, responsible for signing or vetoing state laws, overseeing state agencies, and managing the state budget. The incumbent, Republican Kelly Ayotte, is running for re-election. This race determines the direction of the state's executive branch and its relationship with the legislature.
Executive Council
A uniquely powerful body in New Hampshire's government, the five-member Executive Council is also up for election. Councilors are elected every two years from five distinct districts across the state. They have the significant responsibility of approving or rejecting all state contracts valued at $10,000 or more, as well as confirming the governor’s appointments for agency heads, judges, and commissioners. This office provides a crucial check on the governor's power.
State Senate
The entire New Hampshire State Senate, composed of 24 members, is on the ballot. State senators are elected every two years from districts of roughly equal population. As the upper chamber of the state legislature, known as the General Court, the Senate plays a pivotal role in drafting, debating, and passing state laws and the biennial state budget. The results of these 24 races will determine which party controls this key legislative body.
State House of Representatives
All 400 seats in the New Hampshire House of Representatives are up for election. As one of the largest legislative bodies in the world, the State House offers a very direct form of local representation. Members are elected to two-year terms and are responsible for proposing and voting on state laws that affect everything from education and transportation to public safety. These elections will decide the partisan makeup of the legislature's lower chamber.
County Offices
In addition to federal and state races, voters will also decide on a number of county-level positions. These offices vary by county but typically include County Sheriff, County Attorney, County Treasurer, Register of Deeds, and Register of Probate. The officials in these roles oversee local law enforcement, prosecution of crimes, county finances, and property records. While they often receive less attention than statewide races, these positions have a direct impact on the day-to-day administration of justice and government services in a voter's home county.
