Former U.S. Senator John E. Sununu has announced his bid for the 2026 GOP Senate primary in New Hampshire, aiming to unseat long-time Democratic Senator Jeanne Shaheen. Sununu, a former three-term representative who defeated Shaheen in the 2002 Senate election but lost to her in their 2008 rematch, is returning to the public spotlight after nearly two decades in the private sector. His campaign is part of a broader strategy by the Republican Party to expand its Senate majority, as the New Hampshire seat is considered a strategic target.
Meanwhile, former ambassador and former Sen. Scott Brown, who narrowly lost to Shaheen in her first re-election bid in 2014, has also entered the race. Brown, who previously served as a U.S. ambassador to New Zealand during Trump’s first term, has raised significant funds for the campaign and is positioning himself as a strong contender. The race has intensified with both candidates vying for the endorsement of the Trump administration, which holds considerable influence within the GOP.
Despite Sununu’s past associations with the 2016 Republican presidential campaign, which did not include support for Donald Trump, he has expressed a willingness to work with the current administration. However, Brown has criticized Sununu for his past lack of support for Trump, pointing to his role in the 2016 campaign that backed John Kasich instead. Sununu, in turn, has emphasized his experience in the private sector and his focus on working with the Trump administration to benefit New Hampshire.
The New Hampshire Democratic Party has also weighed in, criticizing Sununu for his private sector tenure and accusing him of prioritizing corporate interests over the people of the state. Sununu has defended his record, stating that his work in the private sector has been focused on technology and that he has never lobbied any member of Congress for any business. His campaign has received endorsements from prominent Republicans, including Steve Stepanek, a longtime Trump ally in New Hampshire.
If Sununu secures the GOP nomination, he will likely face off against four-term Democratic Rep. Chris Pappas, who has already launched his campaign for the Senate seat. The race is seen as a critical battle for the GOP’s strategy to maintain and expand its Senate majority, with both candidates vying for the support of key party figures and voters in New Hampshire.