Key Swing State Democrat Senator Jeanne Shaheen To Retire In 2026

“It's just time,” Shaheen, 78, said in a video statement Wednesday.

“Believe me, I'm not retired,” added Shaheen (D-NH). “I'm working every day for the next two years and trying to continue making a difference for New Hampshire and the people of this country.”

“It was a difficult decision and made it even more difficult by the current environment in the country. By President Trump and what he is doing now,” Shaheen said. New York Times On Tuesday, she decided to run away.

As a result, Shaheen will become the third Democrat in the upper room to announce her retirement after this election cycle.

“It's important for New Hampshire and the country to demonstrate a new generation of leadership.”

The announcement came when reports came that Republicans and former governor Chris Sununu were considering challenging her.

Additionally, Democrats Gary Peters (D-Mich.) and Tina Smith (D-Minn.) chose to oppose running for reelection in 2026. Shaheen's announcement hopes Republicans will pick up seats in both Michigan and New Hampshire.

Shaheen is the first woman in American politics to win elections as governor and US Senator.

Meanwhile, Senate Republicans have one open seat to defend after Sen. Mitch McConnell (R-KY.) announced he would not seek an eighth term.

According to PoliticsRep. Chris Pappas (DN.H.), has been pondering his run to replace longtime Democrats, becoming an early favourite in the Democratic primary.

Republicans now won 22 of the 35 Senate seats in 2026, currently a 53-47 majority.

Before her first run in the Senate, Shaheen served as Governor of New Hampshire for a three-year term, and in 1996 she was elected her first woman.

She has served as a prominent voice in the Senate Committee on Foreign Relations.

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