New Hampshire’s primary elections carried high stakes. The polls could help determine if the Democratic party will be able to retain control of the US House of Representatives and Senate after the midterms.

In New Hampshire, the Governor’s office was also up for grabs. Tom Sherman won the Democratic nod, while incumbent Chris Sununu advanced from the Republican side. 

Also Read: US primaries: New Hampshire’s Maggie Hassan wins Democratic nod for US Senate

While most Congressional races have been decided, two crucial Republican races still remain undecided. Donald Bolduc and Chuck Morse— who are competing for the Senate seat– have been stuck in a close race. Bolduc received 37% of the votes, while Morse secured 36%.

In the race for New Hampshire’s 2nd Congressional district, Robert Burns and George Hansel are also stuck in a close race. The two Republican candidates are just separated by nearly 1,000 votes, making the race too close to call.

Bolduc’s victory may reignite disappointment among some national Republicans that Governor Chris Sununu, a relatively popular moderate who likely could have posed more of a threat to Hassan, chose instead to run for reelection.

The GOP is grappling with the possibility of again nominating a candidate who is popular with the party’s base but struggles to broaden support ahead of the November general election.

Republican primary voters have similarly chosen conservative candidates this year in moderate or Democratic-leaning states including Massachusetts and Maryland, potentially putting competitive races out of the party’s reach.

Also Read: US primaries: Governor Chris Sununu advances to New Hampshire midterms

The final primary contests unfolded at a dramatic moment in the midterm campaign. Republicans have spent much of the year building their election-year message around Joe Biden and his management of the economy, particularly soaring prices.

But Democrats are now entering the final stretch with a sense of cautious optimism as approval of Biden steadies and inflation has slowed for the second straight month, even as it remains high.