Former New Hampshire Governor Chris Sununu Opts Out of Senate Run
Former New Hampshire Governor Chris Sununu recently declared that he will not be entering the race for the U.S. Senate in 2026, notwithstanding the endorsement he received from President Donald Trump.
Sununu, who served four terms as the state’s governor before opting not to pursue a fifth term, disclosed his decision on The Pulse of NH’s ‘Good Morning NH’ radio show on Monday. Speculation had been rife about Sununu’s potential candidacy for the 2026 Senate race following Democratic Senator Jeanne Shaheen’s announcement of her retirement.
‘I gave it serious thought,’ Sununu shared with The Pulse of NH’s Jack Heath. ‘I had discussions with the White House and even spoke with Tim Scott. While I appreciate their support and confidence in me, I have decided not to throw my hat in the ring.’
Trump’s Surprising Backing and Sununu’s Response
President Trump’s unexpected endorsement of Sununu’s possible Senate bid came as a shock to many, considering the tumultuous history between the two. Sununu had previously been critical of Trump’s rhetoric and had endorsed Nikki Haley in the 2024 Republican primary. However, he swiftly shifted his allegiance to Trump once the latter secured the nomination.
During a press briefing aboard Air Force One, Trump expressed his full support for Sununu, emphasizing his belief that Sununu would secure the Senate seat. ‘Chris Sununu visited me at the Oval Office, and I stand by him completely. I hope he decides to run. I am confident he will emerge victorious,’ Trump stated.
Scott Brown, a former GOP senator from Massachusetts and U.S. ambassador, who is contemplating a Senate bid himself, lauded Sununu’s decision. Brown, the Republican nominee for the New Hampshire Senate seat in 2014, took to social media to praise Sununu and express his anticipation of collaborating with him for the betterment of New Hampshire.
Political Landscape and Sununu’s Future Plans
With Democratic Representative Chris Pappas already in the race for Shaheen’s Senate seat, aiming to uphold the Democrats’ control, Sununu’s withdrawal alters the dynamics of the upcoming election. As he bows out of the Senate race, Sununu affirmed that he will continue his endeavors in the private sector for the time being.
Despite the speculation and endorsements, Chris Sununu has chosen a different path, steering clear of the Senate race in 2026. His decision leaves the field open for other contenders to vie for the coveted Senate position in New Hampshire.
