Former Massachusetts Senator Scott Brown has officially launched his campaign for the U.S. Senate in New Hampshire, seeking to replace retiring Democratic Senator Jeanne Shaheen. Announcing his bid on Wednesday, Brown emphasized his commitment to border security, restoring common sense policies, and upholding New Hampshire values. He also cited support for former President Donald Trump, highlighting Trump’s efforts to secure the border and reassert U.S. global standing.
Brown’s entry into the race makes him the highest-profile Republican candidate in this year’s contest, as Democratic contender Rep. Chris Pappas had already launched his campaign earlier in the year. Brown’s announcement comes after former Governor Chris Sununu, who had initially considered a Senate run, decided against it earlier this year, despite a public endorsement from Trump. This withdrawal from the race has left a significant vacuum in the Republican field, with Brown now poised to emerge as the leading contender.
Brown’s campaign has been characterized by strong ties to the Trump administration, with his launch video explicitly praising Trump’s policies on border security, China relations, and foreign policy. This alignment has drawn sharp criticism from Democrats, particularly Rep. Pappas, who has accused Brown of being a puppet of Wall Street interests and blindly supporting Trump’s agenda. Pappas’ campaign has also highlighted Brown’s stance on abortion rights, which has been a major point of contention in the race. In retaliation, Brown has criticized Papp. The race has intensified with both candidates leveraging their respective support networks and political fundraising efforts to secure New Hampshire’s crucial Senate seat.
Brown’s decision to run for Senate again reflects his long-standing political ambitions and his desire to re-enter the national spotlight. His previous campaign in New Hampshire in 2022 ended in a narrow loss, but he has continued to build his political influence through affiliations with key Republican leaders and financial backing from conservative donors. The current race is seen as a pivotal moment for New Hampshire, which has historically been a swing state in national elections. With Shaheen’s retirement, the race for the Senate seat is shaping up to be a defining contest for the party’s future in the state and a potential indicator of broader national political trends.
The political climate in New Hampshire remains volatile, with both Republicans and Democrats vying for control of the Senate seat. Brown’s campaign will face significant challenges, including the need to secure endorsements from key Republican figures and win over independent voters who have shown increasing support for Democratic candidates in recent years. The race also has implications for national policy debates, including immigration, trade, and foreign policy, as both candidates seek to position themselves as the best choice to represent the state’s interests at the national level.
As the campaign progresses, the focus will likely shift toward policy positions, fundraising, and voter mobilization. Brown’s campaign has already begun to raise substantial funds, leveraging his personal brand and name recognition to attract donors. Meanwhile, Pappas is expected to continue his efforts to highlight Brown’s perceived weaknesses, particularly his alignment with Trump and his stance on social issues. The race has the potential to shape the next phase of the 2026 midterm elections and could influence the broader political landscape in the coming years.