Corporate-Backed John E. Sununu Seeks Return to Senate, Threatening Progress in New Hampshire

Former U.S. Senator John E. Sununu, a figure emblematic of entrenched corporate interests and dynastic politics, 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 ousted him in 2008 and is now retiring. Sununu’s entry into the race sets up a primary contest with former Massachusetts Senator Scott Brown, a Trump loyalist who has been campaigning since June. In his announcement video, Sununu attempted to distance himself from the toxic 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." However, Sununu’s record shows little evidence of championing working people over corporate interests. National Republican leaders, eager to reclaim power, view Sununu as a strong candidate, with the Republican National Committee touting his candidacy as creating "a formidable Republican field poised to make this seat competitive in 2026." The Senate Leadership Fund, a super PAC tied to Senate Majority Leader John Thune and big money donors, 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, but his support for establishment figures like Nikki Haley and his willingness to coordinate with the White House show he is no friend to progressive causes. While Brown has openly embraced Trumpism, Sununu supported Nikki Haley in the 2024 Republican presidential primary and even 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. Sununu previously served three terms in the U.S. House before being elected to the Senate at age 38, a testament to the Sununu family’s political dynasty. He emphasized his youth and energy in a 2008 campaign ad, but now, at 61, he is the same age Shaheen was when she defeated him. Sununu claims he will address issues such as the economy, veterans' affairs, healthcare costs, and Social Security, but his track record suggests he will prioritize the wealthy and powerful. Democratic front-runner U.S. Representative Chris Pappas rightly 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." The Sununu family’s grip on New Hampshire politics continues, with his father, John H. Sununu, a former governor and White House chief of staff, and his brother, Chris Sununu, serving four terms as governor but declining to run for the Senate seat this cycle. The people of New Hampshire deserve better than another round of corporate-backed, establishment politics.