Former U.S. Sen. John E. Sununu announced Wednesday that he is considering a return to the U.S. Senate, aiming to reclaim the New Hampshire seat he lost to Democrat Jeanne Shaheen nearly two decades ago. With Shaheen retiring and Republicans eyeing a Senate majority in 2026, Sununu’s potential entry could reshape a pivotal battleground race.
“Many have urged me to run for the Senate—an important race at a critical time for our country,” Sununu posted on social media. “New Hampshire needs an effective voice in Washington—someone willing to take risks and get things done.” He added that he plans to speak with voters across the state before making a final decision within the next month.
Sununu served New Hampshire in the U.S. Senate from 2003 to 2008 after three terms in the U.S. House. He lost his re-election bid to Shaheen, a former governor, in what marked the beginning of a Democratic hold on the seat. Shaheen’s retirement opens a rare opportunity for Republicans to flip it back.
If Sununu enters the race, he would join a growing field of GOP hopefuls. Former Massachusetts Sen. Scott Brown, who previously lost to Shaheen in 2014, is mounting another bid. State Sen. Dan Innis has also declared his candidacy.
Sununu’s younger brother, former Gov. Chris Sununu, declined calls from President Donald Trump and national GOP leaders to run. He instead accepted a leadership role with Airlines for America, a Washington-based aviation industry lobby.
On the Democrat side, Rep. Chris Pappas has already launched his Senate campaign, and Rep. Maggie Goodlander is also considering a run. With both parties fielding high-profile candidates, the race is expected to be one of the most competitive in the country.
Although New Hampshire’s congressional delegation is currently controlled by Democrats, the state government is held by Republicans, and the state often swings in federal elections. The National Republican Senatorial Committee has rated the seat as a toss-up, with internal polling showing a narrow GOP edge.
Republicans currently hold a slim 53-47 majority in the U.S. Senate, with Democrats needing to flip at least four seats in 2026 to take control. A Sununu candidacy could provide the GOP with a well-known, experienced contender in a key state.
