Overview
- Sununu announced his 2026 bid on Wednesday, telling WMUR he will run as a “New Hampshire candidate” focused on affordability, energy policy, health care costs, housing, inflation, border security, and low taxes.
- The open seat follows Democratic Sen. Jeanne Shaheen’s decision to retire, positioning the race as a key battleground for control of a closely divided Senate.
- A UNH/Granite State poll shows Sununu leading Brown by 23 points among likely GOP primary voters, with Sununu holding roughly 50% favorability among Republicans versus about 30% for Brown.
- National Republican groups quickly signaled support, with the Senate Leadership Fund saying Sununu’s candidacy puts New Hampshire in play and GOP polling allies calling him competitive with Democrat Chris Pappas.
- Trump’s endorsement remains unsettled as Brown emphasizes his alignment with the president and Sununu faces scrutiny for past criticism, including an op-ed labeling Trump “a loser.”