Chris Sununu Declines Senate Run, Shifting Republican Strategy in New Hampshire
Former New Hampshire Governor Chris Sununu announced on Tuesday that he will not run for the Senate in 2026, disappointing hopes from President Trump and other party members who anticipated his candidacy would help flip a critical seat. Sununu, who served four terms as governor, had previously been a critic of Trump, even endorsing Nikki Haley in the GOP primary race. However, following a meeting with Trump at the White House, the former president expressed optimism about Sununu’s potential entry into the race, stating, “I hope he runs.”
The announcement comes in the wake of Democratic Senator Jeanne Shaheen’s retirement last month, prompting Representative Chris Pappas of New Hampshire to declare his candidate bid. Other Democratic contenders, including Representative Maggie Goodlander, are also weighing their options. Despite speculation, Sununu firmly stated during a radio interview that he wouldn’t be pursuing a Senate seat, emphasizing the impact on his family and noting, “It doesn’t have to be me.”
His decision was shared with Senator Tim Scott of South Carolina, chair of the National Republican Senatorial Committee, as Sununu expressed confidence that Republicans can still secure a win. Maeve Coyle, a spokeswoman for the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee, labeled it “an embarrassing recruitment failure” for the GOP.
Another potential Republican contender, Scott Brown, a former senator from Massachusetts, has been suggested, though his regional ties have drawn scrutiny. The New Hampshire seat is among three Democrat-held vacancies in the 2026 elections, alongside Michigan and Minnesota, with no competitive state Republican senators yet announcing retirements. As the political landscape shifts, both parties will strategize effectively to fill these crucial seats.
Note: The image is for illustrative purposes only and is not the original image associated with the presented article. Due to copyright reasons, we are unable to use the original images. However, you can still enjoy the accurate and up-to-date content and information provided.
