Yes — former U.S. Senator John E. Sununu is officially running for the Senate. On October 22, 2025, Sununu announced his candidacy for his old seat representing New Hampshire, which is being vacated by Democratic Senator Jeanne Shaheen in 2026. His announcement confirms months of speculation surrounding his potential return to national politics.
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The Announcement and Context
John Sununu declared his campaign in a video message, saying that Washington has become “too angry and too divided” and that he hopes to “restore civility and common sense.” His message focused on unifying voters and addressing economic concerns, national debt, and border security.
Sununu’s announcement follows his earlier comments in September 2025 that he was seriously considering a run for the seat. The news immediately reshaped the 2026 political landscape in New Hampshire, as the race for Shaheen’s open seat is expected to be one of the most closely watched contests in the country.
Sununu’s Background and Political Legacy
John E. Sununu is a well-known name in New Hampshire and national politics. He previously served:
- In the U.S. House of Representatives (1997 – 2003), representing New Hampshire’s 1st District.
- In the U.S. Senate (2003 – 2009), before losing his reelection bid to Democrat Jeanne Shaheen.
Sununu is also part of a politically prominent family. His father, John H. Sununu, served as New Hampshire’s governor and as White House Chief of Staff under President George H. W. Bush. His brother, Chris Sununu, recently concluded his tenure as governor after four successful terms.
Given his experience and family’s influence, John Sununu’s return to politics marks a major moment for both state and national Republicans.
What’s at Stake in the 2026 Senate Race
For Republicans
Sununu’s decision to run gives the GOP a strong contender with name recognition, deep policy experience, and a centrist reputation. Republicans see New Hampshire as a key battleground that could help shift the balance of power in the Senate, especially with Democrats defending several competitive seats.
For Democrats
Democrats are preparing for a competitive race. Representative Chris Pappas, who has already declared his candidacy, is expected to be one of Sununu’s leading opponents. Pappas has strong support among Democratic voters and progressive groups, setting the stage for a highly competitive general election.
For Voters
New Hampshire’s electorate is famously independent and often unpredictable. Voters tend to favor candidates with moderate stances and strong local connections—qualities that both Sununu and Pappas possess. Early polling shows a narrow margin between the two candidates, suggesting that the race could be decided by undecided and independent voters.
Timeline of Key Developments
Date | Event |
---|---|
March 2025 | Senator Jeanne Shaheen announces she will not seek reelection in 2026. |
April 2025 | Former Governor Chris Sununu confirms he will not run for the Senate. |
September 2025 | John E. Sununu states he is considering entering the race. |
October 22, 2025 | John E. Sununu officially launches his campaign for the U.S. Senate. |
Campaign Themes and Priorities
In his launch statement, Sununu emphasized issues that have long been central to his political philosophy:
- Fiscal responsibility: He highlighted the need to reduce federal spending and control the national debt.
- Economic growth: Sununu said his policies would aim to support small businesses and the state’s growing technology sector.
- Border security: He pledged stronger federal enforcement and reforms to immigration laws.
- Bipartisanship: A recurring theme of his campaign is restoring cooperation and civility in Washington.
Sununu’s tone suggests he is positioning himself as a pragmatic conservative, appealing to moderates and independents while staying aligned with core Republican principles.
Challenges Facing Sununu
Despite his strong credentials, Sununu’s path to victory is not guaranteed.
- Time away from office: He has not held elected office since 2009, and reconnecting with a changing voter base could be challenging.
- Intraparty divisions: Some conservative voters have expressed reservations about his past criticisms of Donald Trump, while moderates see him as a welcome alternative to partisan extremes.
- Strong opposition: With candidates like Chris Pappas gaining momentum among Democrats, the general election could hinge on suburban and independent voters.
Additionally, former Senator Scott Brown has also announced plans to seek the Republican nomination, potentially setting up a competitive GOP primary.
How the Race Could Shape National Politics
The 2026 New Hampshire Senate race carries national implications. Control of the Senate could be determined by a handful of closely contested seats, and New Hampshire’s swing-state status ensures heavy investment from both parties.
Sununu’s candidacy is expected to draw attention from major Republican donors and political action committees, while Democrats will likely channel significant national funding to defend the seat.
If Sununu wins, his return could bolster the moderate wing of the Republican Party in Washington and reintroduce a familiar voice on fiscal and technology policy.
Public Reaction and Early Momentum
Sununu’s announcement has received mixed but largely positive responses from New Hampshire residents. Supporters praise his experience and focus on bipartisanship, while critics argue that his time away from politics may make him less connected to current voter priorities.
Political analysts note that Sununu’s disciplined approach and statewide recognition could give him a strong foundation heading into 2026. Early campaign fundraising reports are expected within the next few weeks, which will help indicate his level of support and organizational strength.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Is John Sununu running for Senate?
Yes. John E. Sununu officially announced his campaign for the U.S. Senate on October 22, 2025.
2. Which seat is he running for?
He is running for the New Hampshire Senate seat currently held by Senator Jeanne Shaheen, who will retire at the end of her term in January 2027.
3. Who are the other major candidates?
Representative Chris Pappas has declared on the Democratic side, and former Senator Scott Brown has announced his entry into the Republican primary.
4. When is the election?
The general election will take place in November 2026. Party primaries are scheduled for September 2026.
5. What are the key issues in Sununu’s campaign?
Sununu is emphasizing fiscal reform, economic growth, border security, and bipartisan cooperation.
6. Has he held political office before?
Yes. He served in the U.S. House from 1997 to 2003 and in the U.S. Senate from 2003 to 2009.
7. What is his relationship to former Governor Chris Sununu?
Chris Sununu is his younger brother. Both come from a politically prominent New Hampshire family.
8. What is his stance on national politics?
Sununu identifies as a pragmatic conservative who supports limited government, free enterprise, and balanced budgets while advocating for civility in political discourse.
9. How competitive is this race expected to be?
Highly competitive. Early polls show the race between Sununu and Pappas within a few percentage points, reflecting New Hampshire’s independent-minded electorate.
10. Why is his campaign significant nationally?
Because the New Hampshire seat is open and could determine control of the U.S. Senate in 2026, national attention and funding will focus heavily on this race.
Disclaimer
This article presents verified, factual information based on current public statements and official announcements available as of October 22, 2025. All details reflect the most recent developments surrounding John E. Sununu’s Senate candidacy. No speculative or hypothetical information is included.
Final Thought:
John E. Sununu’s return to the political arena brings renewed energy and attention to New Hampshire’s 2026 Senate race. As both parties gear up for what promises to be a closely contested battle, voters will once again see a familiar name on the ballot — one with deep roots in Granite State politics and national influence.
Stay tuned for further updates as the race continues to unfold.