Former Republican Senator John Sununu wants his old job back. He officially announced his comeback bid for a New Hampshire Senate seat. This creates a pivotal Senate race for the 2026 election cycle. Sununu aims to succeed retiring Democratic Senator Jeanne Shaheen. He served one term in the Senate nearly two decades ago. The Democrat Shaheen defeated him in their 2008 rematch race.
Moreover, Sununu explained his surprising decision in a new campaign video. He stated that Congress now seems loud and deeply dysfunctional. He said he wants to help calm the political waters there. However, someone has to step up and lower the temperature immediately. Someone must get things done for the American people. This pivotal Senate race demands serious leadership and experience.
Furthermore, the Sununu name carries significant weight in New Hampshire politics. His father John H. Sununu is a former governor. His brother Chris Sununu recently served as governor. However, the Republican primary will be highly competitive. Former Senator Scott Brown entered the race earlier this summer. Brown has already raised a substantial amount of campaign money.
However, Brown immediately attacked Sununu over his Trump record. He called Sununu a never Trump corporate lobbyist effectively. Furthermore, Brown endorsed Donald Trump during the 2016 presidential primary. He later served as an ambassador for President Trump. Sununu supported John Kasich and Nikki Haley previously. He even wrote an op-ed calling Donald Trump a loser.
Therefore, National Republicans seem very excited about Sununu’s candidacy nonetheless. They view him as their strongest possible general election candidate. The Senate GOP’s campaign arm quickly endorsed his campaign. A top Republican super PAC also praised his announcement. They believe Sununu makes New Hampshire winnable for their party. This pivotal Senate race could determine the chamber’s majority.
Moreover, democrats have already begun attacking Sununu’s long record. The state party chair criticized his private sector work. He accused Sununu of selling out to corporate special interests. Democratic Rep. Chris Pappas is running for this Senate seat. He is the clear frontrunner for the Democratic party’s nomination. New Hampshire voters will face a stark choice next year.
