In the wake of Democratic Senator Jeanne Shaheen's retirement announcement, speculation is rife about potential contenders for her seat.
Among the names being bandied about is former New Hampshire Governor Chris Sununu, a Republican with a substantial national profile.
Sununu, who has been a regular on cable news networks and Sunday talk shows, has not ruled out the possibility of a Senate run.
According to Fox News, Sununu stated on Fox News Radio's "The Guy Benson Show" that the "door is not closed" to a Senate run. He further asserted that if he were to run, he would emerge victorious. Sununu, who served four consecutive two-year terms as governor of the crucial New England swing state, is no stranger to political battles.
Senator Shaheen, the first woman in the nation's history to be elected as both a governor and a U.S. senator, announced her retirement earlier this week. She will not be seeking a fourth six-year term in the Senate. Even before her announcement, her seat was viewed as a prime pick-up opportunity for the GOP in the 2026 midterms.
In 2021, Sununu expressed interest in running for the Senate against his predecessor as governor, Democrat Senator Maggie Hassan. Despite being heavily courted by national Republicans, Sununu chose to run for a fourth term as governor. His decision was met with disappointment by many Republicans in the nation's capital.
Sununu has been critical of the Senate, stating, "When you look at what their (senators) job is and what a governors job is . . . its not even close. I can't tell you how many senators told me, You're just going to have to wait around a couple of years to get anything done. Can you imagine me sitting around a couple of years," he said. "They debate and talk and nothing gets done. . . . Thats not the world I live in."
Despite his previous assertions that he would not run for the Senate in 2026, Sununu has recently softened his stance. He stated that he has been asked by individuals in New Hampshire and Washington, D.C., to reconsider his decision and keep the door open for a potential run. However, he was quick to add that this does not necessarily mean he is eager to jump into the race.
Sununu's potential competition includes former Senator Scott Brown of Massachusetts, who narrowly lost to Shaheen in the 2014 election. Brown, who served as U.S. ambassador to New Zealand during President Donald Trumps first administration, has been meeting with Republicans across New Hampshire and GOP officials in the nations capital.
Sununu, known for his energetic pace and confidence on the campaign trail, stated, "I know how to run. I know how to win. . . . I think weve got a great record here. I just know my voters, and they know me. . . . And so, if I really wanted to do this, I have no doubt we could be very, very successful. I know that sounds arrogant. . . . I dont care. Im just saying things are the ABCs of me winning."
Sununu, a self-proclaimed "budget hawk," pointed to President Donald Trump's recently created Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), which aims to overhaul and downsize the federal government. He praised the initiative for its focus on balancing budgets and eliminating wasteful federal spending.
Despite being a vocal critic of Trump following Jan. 6, 2021, Sununu has since mended fences with the President. He stated that his relationship with Trump and his team "is the least of my concerns, to be honest."
As the political landscape continues to shift, it remains to be seen whether Sununu will indeed throw his hat into the ring for the 2026 Senate race. His decision could significantly impact the GOP's chances of expanding their current 53-47 majority.
Login