John E. Sununu, the former Republican U.S. Senator from New Hampshire, is reportedly eyeing a comeback to the Senate in 2026, marking a potential return to the political stage he once occupied from 2003 to 2009.
Sununu, whose name is well-known in New Hampshire due to his longstanding political legacy, could be running to reclaim his old Senate seat, which is being vacated by incumbent Democrat Jeanne Shaheen, who announced earlier this year that she will not seek re-election.
The news of Sununu’s potential run has sent ripples through New Hampshire’s political landscape, with Republicans eager to capitalize on the opportunity to regain a seat in the Senate.
Sununu’s possible candidacy comes amid increasing pressure on the GOP to field strong candidates in the state, where Democrats have held both Senate seats for years.
Shaheen’s decision not to run has opened a window for Republicans to mount a serious challenge, and many see Sununu as one of their best hopes to win back the seat.
Sununu’s family background is deeply rooted in New Hampshire politics, and his return to the Senate would not only be a personal political comeback but also a family legacy.
His father, John Sununu Sr., served as governor of New Hampshire and later as White House Chief of Staff under former President George H.W. Bush. The Sununu family has long been a fixture in the state’s political scene, and John E. Sununu’s name recognition is a powerful asset as he contemplates re-entering the race.
A Senate race in New Hampshire has always been competitive, and it is unlikely that 2026 will be any different. Despite New Hampshire’s recent lean toward Democrats in presidential and national elections, the state has a long history of electing Republicans at the state level, including its current Republican Governor, Kelly Ayotte.
Ayotte’s tenure, alongside the state's generally purple political makeup, gives Sununu a potentially strong base of support, but he will need to position himself strategically against the likely Democratic contenders.
The potential race has already begun to stir up interest among both parties, with Republicans looking to recruit the former senator following his brother, Chris Sununu, the state’s popular governor, deciding against a Senate run.
Governor Sununu’s decision to forgo a run was a blow to state Republicans, as polling suggested he would have been a formidable candidate against any Democrat in 2026.
Despite his popularity, Chris Sununu cited his desire to spend more time with his family as the primary reason for declining the bid. His decision left a hole in the GOP’s Senate strategy, but many within the party believe John Sununu could fill that gap.
John E. Sununu, known for his tenure as a senator and his work on national security, energy, and fiscal policy, has strong conservative credentials that resonate with New Hampshire’s electorate.
He served on several key committees during his time in office, including the Senate Commerce Committee, and was a known advocate for lower taxes and government spending cuts.
He also played a pivotal role in energy policy and was a proponent of securing the nation’s energy independence, an issue that remains highly relevant today.
As one of the most well-known Republicans in the state, Sununu has the name recognition and political gravitas to make the race highly competitive.
The GOP views him as one of their best chances to make the New Hampshire Senate race competitive, particularly in the face of a likely Democratic nominee like Rep. Chris Pappas, who is seen as the most likely contender for the Democrats.
Pappas, who has represented New Hampshire’s 1st Congressional District since 2019, is viewed as a strong candidate with widespread appeal, particularly in the state’s urban areas. His strong fundraising and connection to local issues make him a formidable opponent for any Republican challenger.
While Sununu’s political experience is undeniably valuable, his return to politics would also come with its challenges. The political landscape has shifted considerably since he left the Senate in 2009.
The national Republican Party has become more aligned with the populist and often divisive rhetoric of President Donald Trump, and Sununu’s more traditional, establishment brand of conservatism may face obstacles with some of the GOP’s more populist factions.
However, Sununu has experience navigating the changing political tides and has been able to win over voters across the political spectrum in the past.
Sununu’s previous Senate campaign in 2002 saw him defeat incumbent Democrat Jeanne Shaheen, but in 2008, Shaheen successfully reclaimed the seat in a rematch.
Shaheen’s victory marked the end of Sununu’s tenure, and it set the stage for the Democratic dominance in the state’s Senate races in the years that followed. However, with Shaheen opting not to seek re-election in 2026, Republicans see a rare opportunity to flip the seat back into their column.
New Hampshire’s political landscape remains deeply divided, with both parties having strong support in different regions of the state. Democrats have been successful in capturing the urban vote, particularly in cities like Manchester and Concord, while Republicans have historically done well in rural areas.
Sununu’s appeal as a centrist Republican could resonate well with independent voters, who are a crucial swing constituency in New Hampshire. The state has a significant independent voter base, and many voters pride themselves on being pragmatic rather than strictly partisan.
Sununu’s ability to appeal to these voters could give him an edge in what is expected to be a tightly contested race.
Beyond his family legacy and political experience, Sununu’s connection to national Republican figures also boosts his prospects. He has had discussions with key members of the Senate GOP, including Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-SD) and former Senator Cory Gardner, who have both expressed support for his potential candidacy.
These connections within the party could help Sununu with fundraising and organizing a strong campaign infrastructure. Additionally, the backing of influential figures like Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell could prove invaluable as Sununu navigates the political dynamics of a Senate campaign.
If Sununu decides to run, he will likely face off against several prominent candidates. Among them is Scott Brown, who once won a stunning special election to become the junior senator from Massachusetts in 2009.
Brown has also indicated his intention to run for the seat, and his candidacy would bring added competition to an already crowded field. Brown’s previous experience in the Senate, along with his own name recognition, makes him a formidable challenger for both the Republican nomination and the general election.
New Hampshire Republicans, while divided over the best candidate to take on the Democratic incumbent, are united in their desire to make the race as competitive as possible.
With Sununu’s name recognition, political pedigree, and history of bipartisan appeal, he is seen as one of the party’s best chances for success in the state. His experience at both the state and national levels makes him a strong candidate who can potentially win over a broad swath of voters.
The 2026 Senate race in New Hampshire will undoubtedly be one of the most closely watched races in the country. If Sununu decides to run, he will face a tough battle against a well-funded and well-organized Democratic campaign.
The outcome of this race could have significant implications not only for New Hampshire but also for the balance of power in the Senate, as Republicans look to regain control of the chamber.
As of now, Sununu has not officially announced his candidacy, but all signs point to a possible run. Whether or not he will take the plunge remains to be seen, but with Shaheen stepping aside, Sununu is in a unique position to make a significant impact on the political future of New Hampshire.
If he decides to enter the race, Sununu will have the opportunity to once again lead the state he knows so well and potentially reclaim a seat for the Republicans in the U.S. Senate. For New Hampshire voters, the 2026 Senate race promises to be an exciting and highly competitive contest.
