John E. Sununu, a former United States Senator from New Hampshire, has been contemplating a potential Senate bid in the 2026 midterm elections. The campaign would aim to succeed Democratic Senator Jeanne Shaheen, whose tenure is set to end following her announcement not to seek re-election in the midterms. Sununu, a former three-term Republican representative, is reportedly being discussed by top national Republicans, including Senate Majority Leader John Thune and former Sen. Cory Gardner, who is the chair of the Senate Leadership Fund, the party’s top super PAC. Thune has spoken with Sununu about the possibility, as the race is expected to be competitive and costly for the Republican Party.
Despite the recent interest, Sununu has yet to officially confirm his candidacy. Other prominent Republicans, such as former Senator Scott Brown and state senator Dan Innis, have already announced their campaigns for the seat, indicating the race is highly competitive. However, Sununu, who would be 61 years old by the time the elections take place, remains a significant figure with a strong legacy in New Hampshire’s political landscape. His potential candidacy could shift the dynamics of the race, especially given his personal history with Shaheen, having defeated her in the 2002 Senate election before losing in their 2008 rematch.
The New Hampshire Senate race is one of several key battlegrounds that the Republican Party is targeting in its effort to expand its Senate majority. This strategy aligns with the party’s broader goals of maintaining its control and potentially increasing its numbers in the Senate, especially considering the traditional headwinds faced by the party in midterm elections. Democrats, on the hand, are preparing their own candidates, including Rep. Chris Pappas and progressive organizer Karishma Manzur, indicating a robust and multifaceted race that could significantly impact the political landscape in the coming years.