Republican Announces Senate Run
Washington, D.C. – Former U.S. Sen. John Sununu (R-NH) is seriously weighing a return to the Senate, giving Republicans new hope to capture a critical seat and strengthen their majority ahead of the 2026 elections.
Sources tell the Washington Examiner that Sununu has held private strategy talks with top GOP leaders, including Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-SD) and former Sen. Cory Gardner, who previously headed the powerful Senate Leadership Fund. These discussions focus on crafting a winning campaign strategy that could put New Hampshire back in Republican hands.
Why Sununu’s Decision Matters
Republicans initially courted Chris Sununu, John’s brother and a popular four-term governor, to challenge retiring Democrat Sen. Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH). Although Chris declined, John’s political pedigree and statewide name recognition make him a formidable contender.
The Sununu family dynasty has dominated New Hampshire politics for decades, providing a built-in base of support. John Sununu previously defeated Shaheen to win the Senate seat in 2002, before narrowly losing it back to her in 2008.
Potential Showdown With Democrat Chris Pappas
If he enters the race, Sununu is expected to face Democrat Rep. Chris Pappas, who currently represents New Hampshire’s 1st Congressional District.
National Republican strategists view Sununu’s potential candidacy as the party’s best shot at making the race competitive, particularly in a year when control of the Senate could come down to just a handful of states.
Adding intrigue, former Massachusetts Sen. Scott Brown — who previously lost to Shaheen in 2014 — has already announced his campaign for the GOP nomination. While Brown has a base of support, many conservatives believe Sununu would quickly emerge as the clear frontrunner in a Republican primary.
The Stakes: Senate Control and Trump’s Agenda
This high-profile New Hampshire race is shaping up to be one of the most closely watched contests of 2026. With President Donald Trump working to expand the Republican majority in both chambers, Sununu’s decision could have national consequences for the future of tax reform, border security, and judicial appointments.
Key Quote: “John Sununu has the name recognition, experience, and conservative credentials to flip this seat — and that’s exactly what we need to keep advancing President Trump’s America First agenda,” said one senior GOP strategist.
Bottom Line
John Sununu’s potential Senate run has energized conservatives nationwide. If he enters the race, it could transform New Hampshire into a battleground state, giving Republicans a crucial opportunity to expand their majority and secure a decisive victory over the Democrats in 2026.
