John E. Sununu Announces Bid for New Hampshire Senate Seat

Former U.S. Senator John E. Sununu has announced his candidacy for the U.S. Senate seat in New Hampshire, aiming to reclaim the position he lost in 2008. Sununu, 61, is seeking the Republican nomination for the seat being vacated by Democratic Senator Jeanne Shaheen, who defeated him in 2008 and is now retiring. His entry into the race sets up a primary contest with former Massachusetts Senator Scott Brown, who has been campaigning since June. In his announcement video, Sununu acknowledged the current political climate, stating, "Maybe you're surprised to hear that I'm running for the Senate again. I'm a bit surprised myself. Why would anyone subject themselves to everything going on there right now? Well, somebody has to step up and lower the temperature. Somebody has to get things done." National Republican leaders view Sununu as a strong candidate, with the Republican National Committee noting that his candidacy creates "a formidable Republican field poised to make this seat competitive in 2026." The Senate Leadership Fund, a super PAC linked to Senate Majority Leader John Thune, expressed excitement about Sununu's bid, stating it "expands the Senate map and puts the Granite State in play for Republicans." Sununu's past opposition to former President Donald Trump could present challenges in the primary. While Brown has closely aligned himself with Trump, serving as his U.S. ambassador to New Zealand, Sununu supported Nikki Haley in the 2024 Republican presidential primary and authored an op-ed calling Trump a "loser." Despite this, Sununu has been in contact with the White House regarding his Senate campaign, according to a senior White House official who spoke on condition of anonymity. Sununu previously served three terms in the U.S. House before being elected to the Senate at age 38, making him the chamber's youngest member at that time. He emphasized his youth and energy in a 2008 campaign ad. Now, at 61, he is the same age Shaheen was when she defeated him. Sununu aims to address issues such as the economy, veterans' affairs, healthcare costs, and Social Security. Democratic front-runner U.S. Representative Chris Pappas criticized Sununu's corporate ties, with campaign manager Rachel Petri stating, "Chris Pappas will stand up to corporate special interests and take on anyone to do what is best for New Hampshire, and that's why Granite Staters will elect him to the U.S. Senate next November." Sununu's family has a longstanding political presence in New Hampshire. His father, John H. Sununu, is a former governor and White House chief of staff, and his brother, Chris Sununu, served four terms as governor but declined to run for the Senate seat this cycle.