Key Highlights
- Former Republican Senator John E. Sununu is making a comeback bid for the New Hampshire Senate seat.
- Sununu’s previous support of then-Ohio Governor John Kasich in 2016 contrasts with incumbent Senator Scott Brown’s allegiance to President Donald Trump.
- The race has drawn significant interest from national Republicans, including direct encouragement from President Trump.
- New Hampshire Democrats criticize Sununu for his time spent in the private sector and alleged corporate interests.
John Sununu’s Return to Politics: A New Bid for the Senate Seat
Former Republican Senator John E. Sununu is re-entering the political arena with a fresh bid to reclaim his old seat in the U.S. Senate from incumbent Democrat Jeanne Shaheen, following nearly two decades out of office.
A Political Legacy and New Challenges
Sununu, who first served as senator from 1997 to 2009, is now seeking to return after a stint in the private sector. His candidacy faces significant challenges, including competition from former Ambassador Scott Brown, who secured nearly $1.2 million in fundraising over three months and has been actively campaigning since June.
National Republican Support and Criticism
Despite his long absence, Sununu is viewed favorably by national Republicans due to his potential to flip a swing state Senate seat, with President Trump himself expressing support. “He’s been very nice to me over the last year or so,” Trump told reporters, adding that he hopes Sununu runs and believes he can win the race.
However, critics like New Hampshire’s longtime Democratic party chair Ray Buckley argue that Sununu represents a candidate who sold out to corporate interests during his time away from politics. “The only reason Sununu wants to go back to Washington now is to sell out New Hampshire to the same corporations and special interests that have lined his pockets for years,” Buckley stated.
The Road Ahead: A Long Campaign
With primary elections in New Hampshire typically occurring later than other states, the race will extend into next year. Sununu’s campaign must navigate both internal party divisions and external political pressures. His past support of non-Trump candidates like John Kasich and Nikki Haley contrasts sharply with the current dominance of Trump loyalists within the GOP.
While Sununu faces a formidable opponent in Scott Brown, his own political brand and potential to appeal to independents could provide him with an edge.
The outcome of this race will not only determine control of the Senate but also set a precedent for future Republican Senate candidates in swing states.
The New Hampshire Senate race of 2026 is shaping up as one of the most closely watched contests, highlighting the ongoing tensions within the Republican Party and the strategic importance of maintaining control over key swing state seats. As Sununu prepares to take on the challenge once again, all eyes are on whether he can successfully “lower the temperature” in Washington while earning back the trust of his constituents.
