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.