The candidates vying for the seat of retiring Sen. Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) spent their first debate trying to convince voters they would be independent voices for New Hampshire, whether their party controls Washington or not.

John E. Sununu, a Republican who served a single term in the Senate nearly two decades ago, kept Donald Trump at arm’s length throughout the debate, telling viewers that he’s repeatedly “stood up” to the president and opposed his candidacies in 2016 and 2024.