2026 Catholic Voter Guide

New Hampshire

Where the candidates stand on the issues Pope Leo XIV has raised, in their own words and votes. Every position links to its source.

Election Day · Tuesday, Nov. 3
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New Hampshire has no early in-person voting. Absentee ballots can be requested and returned in person until 5 p.m. on Nov. 2; mailed ballots must reach your town or city clerk by 5 p.m. on Nov. 3. Official source ↗

How to use this guide. For each race, open an issue to see what Pope Leo XIV has taught and what each candidate has said or done, side by side. Where a candidate has served in office, we add their recorded votes on the same key bills for everyone in that chamber, linked to the official roll call. We summarize; we do not score or endorse. Candidates are listed alphabetically. Where we could not find a public position, we say so. Click any bracketed source to read it yourself. New to Catholic voting principles? Start with our national guide to Faithful Citizenship.
New Hampshire · 2026

U.S. Senate

Open seat (Jeanne Shaheen retiring).

Download printable PDF ↓
Chris Pappas
Democrat · Open seat
U.S. representative for New Hampshire’s 1st District since 2019; Manchester restaurant owner.
Campaign website ↗
John E. Sununu
Republican · Open seat
Former U.S. senator (2003–2009) and U.S. representative (1997–2003).
Campaign website ↗
War & PeaceIran, Gaza, Ukraine, war powers›
Pope Leo XIVLeo invited citizens of every country involved in the war with Iran to contact their leaders and members of Congress “to work for peace and to reject war and violence.”Remarks at Castel Gandolfo, Apr. 7, 2026 (Vatican News via The Good Newsroom)
Chris Pappas
Voted to end U.S. military operations against Iran and to require congressional approval for future action. Supports security aid to Israel, humanitarian aid to Gaza, a hostage-return ceasefire and a two-state solution.
[1] WMUR: Where 2026 NH Senate candidates stand on the issues
Voting record
John E. Sununu
Says attacking Iran without a plan to protect the Strait of Hormuz was “a mistake”; priorities are reopening trade and preventing an Iranian nuclear weapon. Calls Israel “a critical ally” with a right to defend itself.
[1] WMUR: Where 2026 NH Senate candidates stand on the issues
Record in office
AI & the Dignity of WorkAI rules, unions, workers displaced by automation›
Pope Leo XIV“No one can be reduced to productivity, to cognitive performance, or to mere data.”Magnifica Humanitas presentation, May 25, 2026
Chris Pappas
Calls for a moratorium on new data centers in New Hampshire and federal AI “rules of the road,” including consumer protections, pre-clearance of AI models and data privacy.
[1] WMUR: Where 2026 NH Senate candidates stand on the issues
Voting record
John E. Sununu
Supports AI “guardrails” for privacy and national security while recognizing AI as a productivity tool.
[1] WMUR: Where 2026 NH Senate candidates stand on the issues
Record in office
The Poor & the Safety NetMedicaid, SNAP, health care, wages›
Pope Leo XIVThe preferential choice for the poor is “a source of extraordinary renewal both for the Church and for society.”Dilexi Te, Oct. 4, 2025
Chris Pappas
Opposed the 2025 Republican budget law, citing its health care cuts; says health care should be “a right, not a privilege.” Supports restoring the expanded Child Tax Credit.
[1] WMUR: Where 2026 NH Senate candidates stand on the issues
Voting record
John E. Sununu
Proposes forcing health care providers to compete across state lines, health savings accounts for anyone who wants one, and less paperwork for providers; pledges never to cut Social Security benefits.
[1] WMUR: Where 2026 NH Senate candidates stand on the issues
Record in office
Life of the UnbornAbortion, IVF, assisted suicide›
Pope Leo XIVAbortion “cuts short a growing life and refuses to welcome the gift of life.”Address to the Diplomatic Corps, Jan. 9, 2026
Chris Pappas
Supports passing a federal law to restore abortion rights nationwide after Roe was overturned; endorsed by Reproductive Freedom for All.
[1] NHPR: Pappas talks inflation, abortion, border policies (2022)[2] Pappas campaign: Reproductive Freedom for All endorsement
Voting record
John E. Sununu
No current statement found. As a House member in 2000, the Boston Globe reported he opposed abortion rights.
[1] Boston Globe: Bass, Sununu declare victory (2000)
Record in office
The Death PenaltyCapital punishment›
Pope Leo XIVSomeone who opposes abortion but favors the death penalty “is not really pro-life.”AP via PBS NewsHour, Sept. 30, 2025
Chris Pappas
No public position found.
John E. Sununu
No current statement found. As a House member in 2000, the Boston Globe reported he favored the death penalty.
[1] Boston Globe: Bass, Sununu declare victory (2000)
Immigrants & RefugeesDeportations, enforcement, asylum, citizenship›
Pope Leo XIV“Defending human life also includes welcoming, protecting and assisting immigrants.”Letter on the 250th Anniversary of the United States, June 25, 2026
Chris Pappas
Supports comprehensive reform with a path for immigrants “who work hard and follow the rules,” plus border security. Was one of 46 House Democrats who voted for the Laken Riley Act in 2025.
[1] WMUR: Where 2026 NH Senate candidates stand on the issues[2] NHPR: NH delegation joins GOP to pass Laken Riley Act (Jan. 2025)
Voting record
John E. Sununu
Says the U.S. “has made great progress securing our borders” and should now modernize legal immigration programs for agricultural, seasonal and health care workers.
[1] WMUR: Where 2026 NH Senate candidates stand on the issues
Record in office
Religious Liberty & EducationConscience, school choice, Catholic schools and charities›
Pope Leo XIVReligious freedom is “the right of every person to worship according to conscience.”Letter on the 250th Anniversary of the United States, June 25, 2026
Chris Pappas
No campaign statement found. See voting record below.
Voting record
John E. Sununu
No current statement found. As a House member in 2000, the Boston Globe reported he favored school vouchers.
[1] Boston Globe: Bass, Sununu declare victory (2000)
Care for CreationClimate, energy, environment›
Pope Leo XIV“We cannot love God, whom we cannot see, while despising his creatures.”AP, Oct. 1, 2025
Chris Pappas
Calls climate change an “existential threat”; backs clean-energy investment and an “all-of-the-above” energy strategy, and says he “helped pass the largest climate change legislation in history.”
[1] WMUR: Where 2026 NH Senate candidates stand on the issues
Voting record
John E. Sununu
Wants to “get rid of some of the crazy mandates,” expand domestic energy production and speed approval of energy infrastructure; cites his past wilderness and river-protection laws.
[1] WMUR: Where 2026 NH Senate candidates stand on the issues[2] WMUR: John E. Sununu launches campaign (Oct. 2025)
Record in office
New Hampshire · 2026

Governor

Ayotte seeks a second two-year term.

Download printable PDF ↓
Kelly Ayotte
Republican · Incumbent
Governor since 2025; former U.S. senator and state attorney general.
Campaign website ↗
Cinde Warmington
Democrat · Challenger
Executive councilor and health care attorney.
Campaign website ↗
War & PeaceIran, Gaza, Ukraine, war powers›
Pope Leo XIVLeo invited citizens of every country involved in the war with Iran to contact their leaders and members of Congress “to work for peace and to reject war and violence.”Remarks at Castel Gandolfo, Apr. 7, 2026 (Vatican News via The Good Newsroom)
Kelly Ayotte
No campaign statement found. See voting record below.
Record in office
Cinde Warmington
No public position found.
AI & the Dignity of WorkAI rules, unions, workers displaced by automation›
Pope Leo XIV“No one can be reduced to productivity, to cognitive performance, or to mere data.”Magnifica Humanitas presentation, May 25, 2026
Kelly Ayotte
Opposes data centers in New Hampshire and pledges a statewide moratorium in her next budget, citing electricity costs, water use, noise and environmental effects.
[1] WMUR: Where 2026 NH governor candidates stand on the issues[2] WMUR: Ayotte town hall (Oct. 2026)
Cinde Warmington
Would issue a temporary statewide moratorium on large data centers on day one, paired with a “Community Bill of Rights” on electric bills, water and noise.
[1] WMUR: Where 2026 NH governor candidates stand on the issues
The Poor & the Safety NetMedicaid, SNAP, health care, wages›
Pope Leo XIVThe preferential choice for the poor is “a source of extraordinary renewal both for the Church and for society.”Dilexi Te, Oct. 4, 2025
Kelly Ayotte
Says she protected the state Medicaid program, “preserving some of the highest eligibility levels in the nation,” and pledges no income or sales tax.
[1] WMUR: Where 2026 NH governor candidates stand on the issues
Record in office
Cinde Warmington
Pledges to undo state Medicaid cuts, lower prescription drug costs and expand mental health and addiction treatment, without a sales or income tax.
[1] WMUR: Where 2026 NH governor candidates stand on the issues
Life of the UnbornAbortion, IVF, assisted suicide›
Pope Leo XIVAbortion “cuts short a growing life and refuses to welcome the gift of life.”Address to the Diplomatic Corps, Jan. 9, 2026
Kelly Ayotte
Supports keeping New Hampshire’s current law allowing abortion through 24 weeks with later exceptions; vetoed a bill that would have further restricted access. Supports IVF access.
[1] WMUR: Where 2026 NH governor candidates stand on the issues
Record in office
Cinde Warmington
Calls reproductive freedom “a fundamental right” and pledges to protect abortion access; has called for repealing the state’s 24-week abortion limit.
[1] WMUR: Where 2026 NH governor candidates stand on the issues[2] WMUR: Warmington calls for repeal of abortion ban
The Death PenaltyCapital punishment›
Pope Leo XIVSomeone who opposes abortion but favors the death penalty “is not really pro-life.”AP via PBS NewsHour, Sept. 30, 2025
Kelly Ayotte
Says the death sentence for Michael Addison, convicted of killing a Manchester police officer, should be carried out despite the state’s 2019 repeal: “The death penalty was the appropriate sentence there.”
[1] Union Leader: Police leaders criticize Warmington’s death penalty stance
Cinde Warmington
Asked whether she would carry out the death sentence of Michael Addison, the state’s only death-row inmate, said: “I will not be proceeding with the application of the death penalty in this state.”
[1] Union Leader: Police leaders criticize Warmington’s death penalty stance
Immigrants & RefugeesDeportations, enforcement, asylum, citizenship›
Pope Leo XIV“Defending human life also includes welcoming, protecting and assisting immigrants.”Letter on the 250th Anniversary of the United States, June 25, 2026
Kelly Ayotte
No campaign statement found. See voting record below.
Record in office
Cinde Warmington
Pressed Ayotte to take a position on a planned federal ICE detention facility in Merrimack.
[1] WMUR: Warmington running for governor (Feb. 2026)
Religious Liberty & EducationConscience, school choice, Catholic schools and charities›
Pope Leo XIVReligious freedom is “the right of every person to worship according to conscience.”Letter on the 250th Anniversary of the United States, June 25, 2026
Kelly Ayotte
No campaign statement found. See voting record below.
Record in office
Cinde Warmington
Opposes the state’s Education Freedom Account (voucher) program, which she says is driving up property taxes.
[1] Warmington campaign: Priorities[2] WMUR: Warmington running for governor (Feb. 2026)
Care for CreationClimate, energy, environment›
Pope Leo XIV“We cannot love God, whom we cannot see, while despising his creatures.”AP, Oct. 1, 2025
Kelly Ayotte
Backs an “all-of-the-above” energy strategy and next-generation nuclear power; signed new landfill-siting protections and supported protecting the Connecticut Lakes Headwaters Forest.
[1] WMUR: Where 2026 NH governor candidates stand on the issues[2] Ayotte campaign: State of the State on nuclear power (Feb. 2026)
Cinde Warmington
Says climate change is “already damaging” the state; supports transitioning toward renewable energy, efficiency and grid modernization.
[1] WMUR: Where 2026 NH governor candidates stand on the issues
New Hampshire · 2026

U.S. House, District 1

Open seat (Chris Pappas running for Senate).

Download printable PDF ↓
Anthony DiLorenzo
Republican · Open seat
Portsmouth auto dealer and real estate developer.
Campaign website ↗
Stefany Shaheen
Democrat · Open seat
Health care advocate, small-business co-founder and former Portsmouth city councilor.
Campaign website ↗
War & PeaceIran, Gaza, Ukraine, war powers›
Pope Leo XIVLeo invited citizens of every country involved in the war with Iran to contact their leaders and members of Congress “to work for peace and to reject war and violence.”Remarks at Castel Gandolfo, Apr. 7, 2026 (Vatican News via The Good Newsroom)
Anthony DiLorenzo
Says the Iran conflict “has gone on far too long, and it’s time to bring our troops home.” Calls Israel an important ally while retaining U.S. independent judgment; backs peace efforts in Ukraine.
[1] WMUR: Where 2026 NH-1 candidates stand on the issues[2] DiLorenzo campaign: Issues
Stefany Shaheen
Would vote to end the Iran war and bring troops home; supports a two-state solution and ending the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
[1] WMUR: Where 2026 NH-1 candidates stand on the issues
AI & the Dignity of WorkAI rules, unions, workers displaced by automation›
Pope Leo XIV“No one can be reduced to productivity, to cognitive performance, or to mere data.”Magnifica Humanitas presentation, May 25, 2026
Anthony DiLorenzo
Supports federal AI regulation that keeps the U.S. “at the forefront” while protecting privacy, jobs and national security.
[1] WMUR: Where 2026 NH-1 candidates stand on the issues
Stefany Shaheen
Opposes insurers and Medicare using AI to deny care; supports a federal AI “floor, not a ceiling” and a data center moratorium. Backs prevailing wage, apprenticeships and workers’ rights.
[1] WMUR: Where 2026 NH-1 candidates stand on the issues[2] Shaheen campaign: Priorities[3] Shaheen campaign: Data center moratorium
The Poor & the Safety NetMedicaid, SNAP, health care, wages›
Pope Leo XIVThe preferential choice for the poor is “a source of extraordinary renewal both for the Church and for society.”Dilexi Te, Oct. 4, 2025
Anthony DiLorenzo
Pledges to “fully support Social Security and Medicare,” protect child tax credits, and pursue more competition in health care; opposes Medicare for All.
[1] WMUR: Where 2026 NH-1 candidates stand on the issues[2] DiLorenzo campaign: Issues
Stefany Shaheen
Supports Medicare for All and expanding Medicare to cover dental, vision and hearing; opposes raising the Social Security retirement age and would lift the payroll wage cap.
[1] WMUR: Where 2026 NH-1 candidates stand on the issues[2] Shaheen campaign: Priorities
Life of the UnbornAbortion, IVF, assisted suicide›
Pope Leo XIVAbortion “cuts short a growing life and refuses to welcome the gift of life.”Address to the Diplomatic Corps, Jan. 9, 2026
Anthony DiLorenzo
Opposes federal abortion legislation and says he would “respect New Hampshire’s laws.”
[1] DiLorenzo campaign: Issues
Stefany Shaheen
Describes needing an abortion procedure during a miscarriage and pledges to “always and tirelessly fight” for abortion access and reproductive rights.
[1] Shaheen campaign: Priorities
The Death PenaltyCapital punishment›
Pope Leo XIVSomeone who opposes abortion but favors the death penalty “is not really pro-life.”AP via PBS NewsHour, Sept. 30, 2025
Anthony DiLorenzo
No public position found.
Stefany Shaheen
No public position found.
Immigrants & RefugeesDeportations, enforcement, asylum, citizenship›
Pope Leo XIV“Defending human life also includes welcoming, protecting and assisting immigrants.”Letter on the 250th Anniversary of the United States, June 25, 2026
Anthony DiLorenzo
Supports border security and immigration enforcement plus reform that streamlines legal immigration and admits enough workers for businesses.
[1] WMUR: Where 2026 NH-1 candidates stand on the issues[2] DiLorenzo campaign: Issues
Stefany Shaheen
Rejects mass deportation; supports comprehensive reform protecting Dreamers and asylum seekers. Wants ICE overhauled — body cameras, no masks, no warrantless searches, no raids in schools, churches or hospitals.
[1] WMUR: Where 2026 NH-1 candidates stand on the issues[2] Shaheen campaign: Priorities
Religious Liberty & EducationConscience, school choice, Catholic schools and charities›
Pope Leo XIVReligious freedom is “the right of every person to worship according to conscience.”Letter on the 250th Anniversary of the United States, June 25, 2026
Anthony DiLorenzo
No public position found.
Stefany Shaheen
Proposes removing barriers for faith-based community organizations to participate in housing programs; opposes ICE raids in churches.
[1] Shaheen campaign: Priorities
Care for CreationClimate, energy, environment›
Pope Leo XIV“We cannot love God, whom we cannot see, while despising his creatures.”AP, Oct. 1, 2025
Anthony DiLorenzo
Favors a natural gas pipeline from Pennsylvania and criticizes reliance on subsidized wind and solar; backs energy independence “without subsidies.”
[1] WMUR: Where 2026 NH-1 candidates stand on the issues[2] DiLorenzo campaign: Issues
Stefany Shaheen
Calls for expanding local solar, wind and hydro, grid upgrades and PFAS cleanup, and opposes federal rollbacks of EPA and clean-energy programs.
[1] WMUR: Where 2026 NH-1 candidates stand on the issues[2] Shaheen campaign: Priorities
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