"Former GOP Senator expresses confidence in contesting swing state legislative post, stating, 'This is a contest I am certain of victoriously winning'"
In the political landscape of New Hampshire, a familiar name is making waves as former Republican Senator John E. Sununu has declared his interest in running for the open Senate seat in 2026. The seat is currently held by Democratic Sen. Jeanne Shaheen, who announced she would not seek re-election.
Sununu is not alone in this race, as former Sen. Scott Brown and state Sen. Dan Innis have also announced their candidacy for the Republican primary.
Sununu's return to the political arena comes after a significant shift in the Republican Party since his last run for office. The party, under President Donald Trump's leadership, has moved from a business-oriented platform to a more populist stance.
Sununu's bid is seen as a serious contender by national Republican strategists, who believe his ability to fundraise and his understanding of New Hampshire's unique politics will make him a difficult opponent to beat, especially against four-term Rep. Chris Pappas, the clear frontrunner for the Democratic nomination.
Dan Innis, another Republican candidate, claims to be the most pro-Trump candidate in the race. However, Sununu's stance on Trump remains somewhat ambiguous. While he has expressed a desire to earn support from across the political spectrum, he has also written an opinion piece titled "Donald Trump is a loser," which was published in the New Hampshire Union Leader on the eve of the 2024 New Hampshire presidential primary.
President Trump, who met with Sununu in the Oval Office earlier this year, has expressed support for Sununu's bid, stating that he would support him fully and believes he will win the seat. Notably, Scott Brown, another Republican candidate, endorsed Trump ahead of his 2016 New Hampshire primary victory.
Top national Republicans, including Senate Majority Leader John Thune and former Sen. Cory Gardner, chair of the Senate Leadership Fund, have held conversations with Sununu regarding a 2026 Senate campaign. Sununu, confident about his chances, has stated that he knows he can win and make a difference for New Hampshire.
However, Sununu has not publicly named any specific national Republicans he spoke with in the last two weeks regarding a potential 2026 Senate candidacy in New Hampshire.
In a surprising turn, former ambassador and former South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley received the endorsement of John E. Sununu and Chris Sununu, John E. Sununu's son, in the 2024 New Hampshire Republican presidential primary. This endorsement could potentially sway some votes in Sununu's favour.
As the race heats up, it remains to be seen how the dynamics will play out in the coming months. One thing is certain, however: the race for New Hampshire's Senate seat is shaping up to be a fierce battle.
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