Sen. Jeanne Shaheen Announces Decision Not to Seek Reelection in 2026, Opening Door for Competitive New Hampshire Senate Race
Democratic Senator Jeanne Shaheen of New Hampshire publicly declared Wednesday that she will not pursue reelection in 2026. This decision concludes her impactful career in Congress and paves the way for a highly competitive Senate race in the state.
Shaheen, who has served since 2009 and is currently the highest-ranking Democrat on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, emphasized her commitment to finish her term, which concludes in 2027. "I ran for public office to make a difference for the people of New Hampshire. That purpose has never and will never change," she stated in a video announcement.
At 78, Shaheen’s retirement raises concerns for the Democratic Party as they aim to maintain a Senate majority. Her decision comes at a time when New Hampshire has leaned more Republican, notably electing Gov. Kelly Ayotte in 2024 and seeing Trump’s electoral margin improve in the state in 2020.
Republican leaders view this as an opportunity. Senate Minority Leader John Thune expressed optimism about winning the Senate seat, while Tim Scott, chair of the National Republican Senatorial Committee, labeled Shaheen’s exit as beneficial for the Granite State.
Meanwhile, potential candidates are emerging from both parties. Democratic Rep. Chris Pappas is considering a run, and former Rep. Ann Kuster has indicated she will evaluate a candidacy if Pappas steps back. On the Republican side, former Gov. Chris Sununu and former Sen. Scott Brown are mulling their options.
Despite the challenges ahead, Democratic strategists believe they can retain the seat, highlighting a long-standing trend of Democratic victories in New Hampshire Senate races and anticipating a midterm backlash against Republican candidates.
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