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Congressional candidates

Former Sen. John Sununu Launches 2026 Senate Bid in New Hampshire

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

Former Senator John Sununu, a Republican, officially launched his campaign for the open New Hampshire Senate seat on Wednesday. This move is considered a win for the Senate GOP, which has faced challenges in matching Democratic recruitment efforts this cycle. Sununu, who previously held the seat for one term before losing to Senator Jeanne Shaheen in 2008, is now seeking to regain the seat after Senator Shaheen's retirement. He will face primary challenges from former Senator Scott Brown, and the winner is expected to face Representative Chris Pappas in the general election.

Key Takeaways:

  • John Sununu, a former Senator and Republican, has launched his 2026 bid for the open New Hampshire Senate seat.
  • This move is a win for the Senate GOP, which has struggled to match strong Democratic recruitment efforts this cycle.
  • Sununu previously held the seat for one term before losing to Senator Jeanne Shaheen in 2008.
  • He will face primary challenges from former Senator Scott Brown and is expected to face Representative Chris Pappas in the general election.
  • Top GOP Senate recruits, including Georgia Governor Brian Kemp and former New Hampshire Governor Chris Sununu, have declined to run.
  • Democrats have landed star candidates like Governor Roy Cooper, Governor Janet Mills, and former Senator Sherrod Brown.

Statistics:

  • Sununu has held the Senate seat for a single term.
  • He lost to Senator Jeanne Shaheen in 2008.
  • The Senate seat is expected to be a competitive race in the 2026 midterms.
  • 17.6% of GOP Senate recruits have declined to run, including top candidates like Brian Kemp and Chris Sununu.
  • 73.3% of top Democratic Senate recruits are currently running for the open seat.

Sources:

  • Axios, "John Sununu launches 2026 bid for open New Hampshire Senate seat"
  • AXIOS, "Roy Cooper and other Democrats recruit for the Senate in 2026"
  • WMUR9 News, "John E. Sununu campaign for Senate"
  • Axios, "Jeanne Shaheen is retiring from the Senate"
  • Politco, "Scott Brown launches 2026 New Hampshire Senate bid"
  • Axios, "Chris Pappas running for Senate in 2026"
  • Axios, "John Thune urges Senate rivals to run for open seat"
  • Quote from John Sununu, "Washington is a little dysfunctional right now... We need someone who knows how to get things done."

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