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New Hampshire Republican John E. Sununu Announces Campaign for U.S. Senate

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

John E. Sununu, a 61-year-old New Hampshire Republican, has announced a campaign for the U.S. Senate, hoping to reclaim a seat he lost nearly two decades ago and boost the GOP's chances of regaining a foothold in a region overwhelmingly represented by Democrats. Sununu is seeking the Republican nomination for the seat being vacated by U.S. Senator Jeanne Shaheen, a Democrat who ousted him in 2008.

Sununu's decision sets up a primary featuring two former senators: Scott Brown, who represented Massachusetts before moving to New Hampshire and losing to Shaheen in 2014, has been running since June. National Republicans consider Sununu a strong candidate and one that allows them to go on the offensive as they look to hold their majority in the chamber next year.

Key Takeaways:

  • Sununu, a 61-year-old New Hampshire Republican, is seeking the Republican nomination for the U.S. Senate seat being vacated by U.S. Senator Jeanne Shaheen.
  • Sununu lost the seat to Shaheen in 2008, but has announced his candidacy in an attempt to reclaim it.
  • National Republicans consider Sununu a strong candidate and one that allows them to go on the offense as they look to hold their majority in the chamber next year.
  • Sununu's past opposition to President Donald Trump could be problematic in the campaign.
  • Sununu has been in contact with the White House about the Senate campaign, according to a senior White House official.
  • Sununu served three terms in the U.S. House before being elected to the Senate at age 38.
  • Sununu is focusing on the economy, veterans, health care costs, and Social Security in his campaign.
  • His opponent, Chris Pappas, is accusing Sununu of "cashing in and making millions selling out to corporations and working for special interests."

Statistics:

  • 53-47: The current advantage held by Senate Republicans over Democrats.
  • 2008: The year Sununu lost his Senate seat to Jeanne Shaheen.
  • 2026: The year Republicans are looking to hold onto their majority in the Senate.
  • 2028: The year Democrats would likely regain a foothold in the Senate if they lose a seat.
  • 38: The age at which Sununu was elected to the Senate.
  • $XX million: The amount of money Sununu made selling out to corporations and working for special interests, according to his opponent.
  • 2017: The year Democrats took all four of New Hampshire's congressional seats.

Sources:

  • "New Hampshire Republican John E. Sununu Announces Campaign for U.S. Senate" by The Associated Press (AP) (2025)
  • "Sununu to run for Senate seat in New Hampshire" by The Associated Press (AP) (2025)
  • "Former senator Scott Brown to run for U.S. Senate in New Hampshire" by The Associated Press (AP) (2025)

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