After nearly two decades away from the political spotlight, former Republican Senator John E. Sununu of New Hampshire has thrown his hat into the ring for the 2026 Senate race.
According to Fox News, his candidacy, announced on Wednesday, sets the stage for a competitive Republican primary in New England's only swing state as the GOP aims to reclaim the seat held by retiring Democratic Senator Jeanne Shaheen.
New Hampshire has long been a battleground for political contests, often swaying between Republican and Democratic control. Sununu, a familiar name in the state’s political landscape, previously served as a three-term representative before winning the Senate seat in 2002 by defeating then-Governor Jeanne Shaheen. However, Shaheen turned the tables in their 2008 rematch, unseating Sununu after his first term.
Since losing to Shaheen in 2008, Sununu has spent nearly 20 years in the private sector, stepping away from public office. His return to politics is bolstered by a strong family legacy, with his father, John H. Sununu, having served as governor and chief of staff under former President George H.W. Bush. Additionally, his younger brother, Chris Sununu, recently completed four terms as New Hampshire’s governor, further cementing the family’s influence.
Sununu’s path to the Republican nomination is far from guaranteed, as he faces stiff competition from former Senator and Ambassador Scott Brown. Brown, who entered the race in late June, previously represented Massachusetts in the Senate for three years and narrowly lost to Shaheen in New Hampshire’s 2014 Senate race. With $1.2 million raised in the past three months, Brown has positioned himself as a formidable contender, emphasizing his grassroots efforts across the state.
The primary race has already revealed divisions within the Republican Party, particularly over past support for President Donald Trump. Brown, who endorsed Trump before the 2016 New Hampshire primary and later served as U.S. Ambassador to New Zealand during Trump’s first term, has criticized Sununu for not backing Trump in the past. Sununu, on the other hand, was national co-chair for John Kasich’s 2016 presidential campaign and, alongside his brother Chris, supported Nikki Haley in the 2024 New Hampshire primary.
Brown has been vocal in his critique, stating, “Anyone who thinks that a never Trump, corporate lobbyist who hasn’t won an election in a quarter century will resonate with today’s GOP primary voters is living in a different universe.” He continued, “While John was supporting John Kasich in 2016, I was campaigning with Donald Trump.” In a separate remark, Brown added, “While John was fighting for special interests, I was serving in the first Trump administration.”
Sununu, reflecting on his decision to run, expressed concern over the current state of Congress, saying, “Congress just seems loud, dysfunctional, even angry.” He added, “return to the Senate to help calm the waters.” In a candid statement, Sununu admitted, “Maybe you’re surprised that I’m running for the Senate again. I’m a bit surprised myself.”
He went on to say, “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 Republicans appear to view Sununu favorably, with Senator Tim Scott of South Carolina, chair of the National Republican Senatorial Committee, posting on social media, “The @NRSC is all-in for @SununuSenator!” The Senate Leadership Fund, tied to Senate Majority Leader John Thune, also endorsed Sununu, with Executive Director Alex Latcham noting, “John Sununu is a respected leader and a trusted voice for New Hampshire whose candidacy instantly expands the Senate map.”
On the Democratic side, criticism has been swift, with New Hampshire Democratic Party Chair Ray Buckley accusing Sununu of prioritizing corporate interests over state needs. Buckley stated, “John Sununu went to Washington almost thirty years ago, then cashed in, making millions selling out to corporations and working for Big Oil, Big Pharma, and Wall Street while the people of New Hampshire paid the price.” He further warned, “The only reason Sununu wants to go back to Washington now is to sell out New Hampshire to the same corporations and special interests that have lined his pockets for years.”
The Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee echoed this sentiment through spokesperson Maeve Coyle, who remarked, “New Hampshire’s GOP Senate primary just got even messier with the entrance of John Sununu, who first went to Washington nearly thirty years ago.” Coyle added, “Republicans have not won a New Hampshire Senate seat in over a decade and 2026 will be no different.” Meanwhile, four-term Democratic Representative Chris Pappas has emerged as the frontrunner for his party’s nomination, having launched his campaign in early April.
President Trump has so far remained neutral in the Republican primary for this Senate seat. Earlier this year, Trump had encouraged Chris Sununu to run, expressing support during an April meeting in the Oval Office and saying, “He’s been very nice to me over the last year or so. I hope he runs. I think he’ll win that seat.” However, with John E. Sununu now in the race, Trump has not yet indicated a preference between the candidates.
Sununu has actively sought support from key Republican figures, meeting last month with Senate Majority Leader John Thune and former Senator Cory Gardner, who chaired the Senate Leadership Fund. These discussions signal a strategic effort to build momentum within national GOP circles. A national Republican strategist familiar with the race commented, “President Trump appreciates winners and understands that John E. Sununu puts this race on the map for Republicans.”
As the 2026 midterm elections approach, New Hampshire’s status as New England’s only swing state heightens the stakes for both parties. Republicans, who have not secured a Senate seat in the state for over a decade, see this as a critical opportunity to expand their majority. With a crowded GOP primary and strong Democratic contenders, the race promises to be a closely watched contest in the Granite State.