New AARP New Hampshire Poll: Older Voters Poised to Shape Key 2026 Races

Older Voters Are Highly Motivated

New Hampshire voters age 50-plus are preparing to turn out at high rates in 2026. Nearly 9 in 10 (88%) voters 50 and older rate themselves as extremely motivated to vote, compared with 69% of voters under age 50. Older voters also make up the majority of ticket-splitting voters, highlighting their potential influence in close statewide contests. 

Senate and Governor's Races Remain Competitive

The survey shows Democrat Chris Pappas leading Republican John E. Sununu 51% to 44% in the U.S. Senate race statewide, while the contest is nearly tied among voters age 50-plus, where Pappas holds a narrow 49% to 48% advantage. Republican Kelly Ayotte leads Democrat Cinde Warmington 52% to 45% in the governor's race and holds a larger lead among voters age 50-plus, 57% to 40%.

Affordability Tops Voter Concerns

For voters age 50-plus, affordability is the leading issue influencing their vote, followed by threats to democracy and taxes. More than half (57%) of voters age 50-plus say they are worried about their personal financial situation, with health care costs ranking as their top affordability concern. Across all voters, rising prices and affordability rank as the most important combined issue concern.

Social Security, Medicare, and Health Care Matter Most

Issues affecting financial and health security remain central to older voters:

• 68% say Social Security is or will be a major source of household income.
• 96% say they would be more likely to support a candidate who will ensure workers receive the Social Security benefits they earned.
• 89% would be more likely to support a candidate who expands Medicare's ability to negotiate prescription drug prices.
• 74% say it is important for elected officials to help ensure people can age at home in their communities.

Methodology 

AARP commissioned the New Hampshire Institute of Politics at Saint Anselm College to conduct this survey of likely New Hampshire voters. Researchers interviewed 1,042 likely voters statewide, including an oversample of voters age 50 and older, between September 28 and 29, 2026. For more information, contact Kate Bridges at kbridges@aarp.org. For media inquiries, contact AARP External Relations at media@aarp.org.