Trump Backs Sununu in New Hampshire Senate Race

On Sunday, former President Donald Trump endorsed ex-Senator John E. Sununu from New Hampshire, who has often been a critic of Trump, in the race against former Senator Scott Brown. This plays a key role in several Senate contests that may influence the midterm elections.

Sununu received high praise from Trump, who referred to him as an “America First patriot” dedicated to advancing policies that align with this agenda. Senate Republican leaders view Sununu as a viable candidate to take over the seat now occupied by retiring Democratic Senator Jeanne Shaheen, who isn’t seeking reelection.

“I fully support John E. Sununu. He won’t disappoint you. Make America Great Again. Elect John E. Sununu,” Trump posted on social media.

Having previously served three terms, Sununu bested Shaheen in the 2002 Senate race but was later defeated by her in a 2008 rematch.

Democrats see a slim chance to regain Senate control, but they must tread carefully.

After receiving Trump’s endorsement, Sununu’s momentum has visibly increased over Brown in both polls and fundraising efforts. Following this, the Senate Leadership Fund, associated with Senate Minority Leader John Thune, voiced its support for Sununu.

However, Brown plans to stay in the race, stating, “New Hampshire people are the ultimate authority on our future and have the right to choose between candidates.” He went on to question Sununu’s loyalty to the America First movement, suggesting he’s running to ensure those principles are upheld by someone committed to public service.

Brown has his priorities, stating, “We need a strong economy, secure borders, affordable energy, and improved healthcare for veterans. This mission is about you, not me. Keep pushing!”

Sununu is a prominent figure in New Hampshire politics, with a family history in leadership—his father being a former governor and his brother, Chris Sununu, also having served multiple terms as governor.

Sununu Aims for Senate Comeback

Interestingly, Sununu has previously backed Trump’s rivals, acting as national co-chair for John Kasich in the 2016 Republican race and endorsing Nikki Haley in the 2024 Republican primary, demonstrating a mixed stance towards Trump’s camp.

While Brown was an early supporter of Trump in 2016, serving as U.S. ambassador to New Zealand during Trump’s administration, Sununu’s earlier critiques of Trump have not been forgotten. Just prior to the New Hampshire primary, he wrote an op-ed declaring, “Donald Trump is a Loser.”

Some MAGA advocates in New Hampshire expressed disappointment over Trump’s endorsement of Sununu, calling it a “slap in the face” to loyal supporters of the America First movement.

With Brown officially announcing his Senate campaign in June after engaging grassroots supporters, he successfully raised about $1 million in the initial months. Sununu joined the race later, benefitting from endorsements by major Republican organizations.

Senator Tim Scott, head of the National Republican Senatorial Committee (NRSC), acknowledged strong backing for Sununu from Senate Republicans and local party leaders. The New Hampshire Senate seat and a Democratic-held seat in Michigan are among the NRSC’s top priorities for expanding their slim majority.

Recent polling suggests that Sununu has significantly outpaced Brown in fundraising over the last few months and holds a notable advantage in the Republican primary.

Possible Candidates in the Running

Meanwhile, Democratic Congressman Chris Pappas is showing strength in fundraising within New Hampshire while boasting of potential leads over both Republican candidates in hypothetical matchups. Pappas, likely to secure the Democratic nomination, has raised more funds than both Sununu and Brown combined recently.