Congressman Chris Pappas wins New Hampshire Democratic Senate primary

Pappas fends off challenge from progressive Karishma Manzur in seat to be vacated by retiring Jeanne Shaheen

Congressman Chris Pappas beat back progressive challenger Karishma Manzur in the Democratic primary for US Senate on Tuesday, advancing as most observers expected to what will be a closely watched general election that is critical to Democratic hopes of flipping the upper chamber.

The two were competing for the nomination that opened up after Jeanne Shaheen, 79, the state's threeterm incumbent Democratic senator, announced her retirement.