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Chris Sununu Declines 2026 Senate Bid, Shaking GOP Strategy in New Hampshire

The former governor's decision, despite Trump’s endorsement, leaves Republicans reevaluating their approach to a key battleground seat.

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Chris Sununu during the National Governors Association Winter Meeting in the East Room of the White House on February 10, 2023. (Photo by Demetrius Freeman/The Washington Post via Getty Images)
New Hampshire Governor Chris Sununu laughs during his State of the State address at the State House, Thursday, Feb. 15, 2024, in Concord, New Hampshire.

Overview

  • Chris Sununu, former New Hampshire governor, announced he will not run for the U.S. Senate in 2026, citing personal and family considerations.
  • Sununu’s decision follows recent discussions with the White House, Senator Tim Scott, and an endorsement from President Donald Trump.
  • Republicans viewed Sununu as their strongest candidate to flip the seat being vacated by retiring Democratic Senator Jeanne Shaheen.
  • Former Senator Scott Brown has emerged as a potential GOP candidate, while Democrat Chris Pappas has formally launched his campaign.
  • The decision significantly alters the dynamics of the race, with Democrats celebrating the development as a setback for GOP recruitment efforts.