Controversial Republican Announces Senate Run
Former New Hampshire Governor Chris Sununu (R) has signaled that he is reconsidering a run for the U.S. Senate in 2026, a move that was previously off the table for him. Sununu, who left office in January 2025 with strong approval ratings, has said he’s been approached by several individuals in Washington urging him to think about entering the race.
“I haven’t ruled it out entirely, but I’m still weighing my options,” Sununu remarked on Tuesday, as reported by The Washington Times. He acknowledged that there has been significant pressure from political figures to consider the possibility of running for Senate, especially with Senator Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.) up for reelection in 2026. This opens up an opportunity for Sununu, who has established himself as a moderate Republican, to potentially enter what could be a competitive race in the state of New Hampshire.
Sununu, who served as governor from 2017 to 2025, has long been viewed as a pragmatic voice within the Republican Party. Throughout his tenure, he often found himself at odds with former President Donald Trump, particularly on policy matters. Despite this, Sununu supported Trump in the 2024 general election after initially backing GOP primary candidate Nikki Haley.
In the past, Sununu was clear about his lack of interest in a congressional career. “I would rule myself completely out of a U.S. Senate race,” he said just last year, emphasizing that he had no intentions of running for Congress. However, recent comments suggest he is now rethinking that stance. According to The Washington Times, Sununu mentioned that Trump’s focus on reforming government and making it more accountable is one factor that has influenced his decision to reconsider.
“There’s definitely a possibility that things are changing, and that makes me think maybe there’s a path forward,” Sununu stated. With his political influence and strong record of bipartisan leadership, Sununu could become a formidable contender in what is shaping up to be a closely watched Senate race.
