Scott Brown’s Senate Campaign in New Hampshire
Former Republican Senator Scott Brown is gearing up for what promises to be a competitive Senate primary in New Hampshire against ex-Senator John E. Sununu. This race, pivotal for the 2026 elections, could be crucial as Republicans aim to capture a Democratic-held seat that has been long-standing.
Brown, the first Republican to officially launch his campaign for the seat vacated by the retiring Democratic Senator Jeanne Shaheen, announced on Tuesday that he raised over $1.2 million in his first quarter as a candidate. These figures were initially reported by Fox News Digital.
The Republican Party is not just looking to maintain but to bolster its Senate majority of 53-47, making the election for Shaheen’s open seat a major focal point.
The amount raised over the July to September 2025 quarter includes contributions to both Brown’s Senate campaign and a joint fundraising committee tied to his Leadership PAC, called Strong Nation for Today and Tomorrow.
Building Republican Momentum
Brown has reported nearly $900,000 in cash reserves as of last month. He has a notable political background; formerly serving as a senator from Massachusetts and running for senate in New Hampshire in 2014, he later held the position of U.S. ambassador to New Zealand under Trump’s administration, which labeled the fundraising response as “overwhelming.”
He expressed confidence that this strong financial backing would equip his campaign for the long haul, stating, “This is how I know to campaign: through persistent hard work and engaging with voters directly.”
Referencing potential rivals, including Democrat Chris Pappas, who’s seen as a frontrunner for his party’s nomination, Brown commented that New Hampshire voters have a better grasp of issues than those in Washington, D.C.
Brown’s mention of “anyone else” likely signals Sununu, who is also anticipated to announce his candidacy soon, adding intensity to the Republican primary race.
Sununu, a three-term former congressman who served in the Senate from 2002 until he lost his seat in 2008, has asserted that he plans to decide on his candidacy by October, emphasizing that the right candidate could win the race by reflecting the values of New Hampshire rather than those typical of Washington.
Political Landscape in New Hampshire
Sununu’s name carries weight in New Hampshire politics, given his familial ties—his father was a former governor and his brother Chris Sununu currently holds that position. Recently, leading Republican candidate Dan Innis ended his campaign, expressing support for Sununu and urging Brown to follow suit.
However, Brown remains undeterred, known for his energetic campaigning style. He has publicly challenged Sununu over past criticisms of Trump, who still holds considerable sway within the Republican Party.
Sununu, along with his brother, endorsed Nikki Haley for the Republican presidential nomination, and he’s made headlines with past remarks about Trump, calling him a “loser” in a prominent op-ed.
In response, Brown has taken to social media to question Sununu’s past, labeling him as “the original ‘Never Trumper'” and highlighting that Sununu criticized Trump during a crucial period in the latter’s rise to the presidency. Brown has also pointed out Sununu’s tenure in the private sector as indicative that he may be more aligned with interests outside of the electorate.
While Trump has yet to endorse a candidate in this primary race, there’s speculation about how his past interactions with Sununu might affect his support moving forward.
As candidates jockey for position, fundraising remains a critical metric that indicates strength and popularity, which can significantly influence the direction and success of campaigns in the coming months.
