Republicans Eye New Hampshire Senate Seat in 2026 Midterms

Strategic Insights -

New Hampshire is a key New England swing state where Republicans are hoping to flip the Senate seat in the 2026 midterms. The seat is currently occupied by retiring Democratic Sen. Jeanne Shaheen, who announced in April that she would not seek re-election. Republicans are optimistic about their chances, with former Sen. John E. Sununu, one of Chris Sununu's older brothers, considering a 2026 Senate campaign. Top national Republicans, including Senate Majority Leader John Thune, have held conversations with Sununu regarding a potential campaign.

Key Takeaways:

  • Former Sen. John E. Sununu, a three-term representative and former senator, is considering a 2026 Senate campaign in New Hampshire to replace retiring Sen. Jeanne Shaheen.
  • Sununu, 61, defeated then-Gov. Jeanne Shaheen in the 2002 Senate election but lost to her in their 2008 rematch.
  • Republicans are also counting on former Sen. Scott Brown and three-term GOP state Sen. Dan Innis to challenge Democrats in the 2026 midterms.
  • Pappas, the clear frontrunner for the Democratic Party's Senate nomination, took to social media to emphasize that "NH wants leaders who'll stand up to Trump and special interests."
  • Senate Republicans enjoyed a favorable map in the 2024 cycle, flipping four seats from blue to red, and are hopeful to go on offense in key states like Georgia, Michigan, and New Hampshire in 2026.

Statistics:

  • Sixty-one-year-old John E. Sununu is considering a 2026 Senate campaign in New Hampshire.
  • Democrats currently hold 48 Senate seats, while Republicans hold 52 seats.
  • Republicans face headwinds in the midterm elections, which traditionally favor the party in the House.
  • Four states - tough battlegrounds for Republicans, including Michigan, New Hampshire, North Carolina - have open Senate seats in the 2026 midterms.
  • Three Democrats - Sen. Tina Smith (Minnesota), Sen. Gary Peters (Michigan), and Sen. Jeanne Shaheen (New Hampshire) - are not running for re-election.
  • Republicans are defending an open seat in red-leaning Iowa, where Sen. Joni Ernst will not seek re-election.
  • Republicans are also defending moderate Sen. Jon Husted of Ohio, while hoping to flip the seat in battleground Minnesota against Sen. Tina Smith.

Sources:

  • Fox News: "Sources: Top national Republicans talking to former Sen. John E. Sununu about 2026 Senate bid in NH"
  • NOTUS: "Word that Sununu was mulling a Senate bid was first reported by NOTUS"
  • Fox News Digital: "Veteran Republican strategist John Ashbrook on the 2026 midterms"
  • New Hampshire Union Leader: "Former Sen. Scott Brown announces run for U.S. Senate"
  • Politico: "Pappas announces he will run for Senate seat in 2026"
  • The Hill: "Senate Republicans target vulnerable Democrats in 2026"