There are discussions in New Hampshire surrounding Governor Chris Sununu potentially entering the U.S. Senate race for the midterm elections next year. Earlier this year, he contemplated running against incumbent Democrat Jeanne Shaheen, though a final decision hasn’t been made yet.
Sources indicate that prominent Republicans, such as Senate Majority Leader John Thune, have had conversations with former senators about their plans for the 2026 campaign.
Interestingly, some in the party, including Thune and former Senate Speaker Cory Gardner, seem hopeful that Sununu will decide to run, especially considering the competitive nature of the race and its expected costs.
It’s worth noting that Sununu previously lost to Shaheen in both the 2002 and 2008 Senate elections. Shaheen recently announced that she would not seek re-election, creating an opportunity for Republicans who seek to flip the seat as they work to expand their majority.
Sources have reported that Sununu, now 61, is actively considering his options. Currently, the Republican landscape in New Hampshire has two major candidates. Former Senator Scott Brown, who served as ambassador to New Zealand under Trump, plans to run and has been engaging with local Republican groups for months.
Just a month ago, GOP state Senator Dan Innis also launched his campaign for the Senate. Meanwhile, Trump has remained neutral, which is interesting given his significant influence in the party.
Amidst this, Chris Pappas, a Democratic representative from the state’s first congressional district, is seen as a leading figure for the Democratic nomination. Progressive organizer Karishma Manzur is also vying for the nomination.
The Republican Party is strategically looking to reclaim important Senate seats in the upcoming elections. However, the midterm election cycle typically presents challenges for the party, particularly in swing states. Currently, some Republicans are optimistic about their chances in several battleground states, including Georgia, Michigan, and Minnesota, where opportunities to flip seats are being closely analyzed.
Moreover, with other significant races on the horizon, Republicans face decisions about defending their positions in several states, including Ohio and Iowa, where incumbent senators are either stepping down or retiring soon.
