Chris Sununu rejects Senate bid in pivotal New Hampshire race

In a significant political development for New Hampshire, Chris Sununu, the former governor, announced that he will not run for the Senate in 2026. His announcement came shortly after receiving an endorsement from former President Donald Trump, who had expressed strong support for Sununu's potential candidacy. Sununu, who completed his four-term governorship in January 2025, stated that the decision is based on personal and family considerations, emphasizing that a Senate campaign did not feel right for him or his family at this time. His decision is significant as Republicans had been hopeful that he would lead their efforts to flip the Democratic-held seat currently held by Senator Jeanne Shaheen, who recently announced that she would not seek re-election. Sununu had previously been a vocal critic of Trump, notably endorsing Nikki Haley during the 2024 presidential primary, but their relationship has reportedly improved over time. In recent comments, Trump expressed his hope for Sununu to run and indicated that he believed Sununu could win if he entered the race. Sununu's decision is seen as a setback for Republican hopes in a state they have not won in a Senate race for over a decade. Moreover, as Sununu backed out, Democratic campaigns have gained momentum, with Republican insiders portraying his decision as an embarrassing failure in recruitment. The dynamics in New Hampshire's political landscape have shifted, especially now as Democratic Representative Chris Pappas has announced his candidacy for the Senate. This indicates that the competition for the seat is heating up, with the announcement from Sununu marking a pivotal moment in the GOP's strategy to reclaim the Senate seat in a key swing state. Since Sununu's announcement, attention has turned to other potential Republican candidates like Scott Brown, a former U.S. senator who is also considering a run. National Republicans remain optimistic about their chances despite Sununu's withdrawal, focusing on upcoming candidates willing to take on the Democratic nominee, who will be vying for a seat considered crucial in the broader national narrative of party control in Congress. The evolving political landscape in New Hampshire suggests that incoming candidates will have the opportunity to fill the void left by Sununu's decision and potentially mount serious challenges against their Democratic rivals.