John E. Sununu Launches Senate Campaign in New Hampshire

Thu Oct 23 2025 06:10:03 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)

Former U.S. Senator John E. Sununu has announced his candidacy for the U.S. Senate, aiming to reclaim his seat. His campaign offers a fresh chance for Republicans in a predominantly Democratic region, as he seeks to secure the GOP nomination for the upcoming election.

John E. Sununu, a Republican and former U.S. Senator, has declared his intention to run for the Senate seat vacated by Democrat Jeanne Shaheen, presenting a challenge for the Democrats in New Hampshire. This decision brings Sununu back into the political arena where he aims to address the current dysfunction in Congress, citing the need to lower political tensions and focus on pressing issues such as the economy and healthcare. With a strong primary competition, his candidacy could significantly influence Republican strategies in the upcoming elections.

CONCORD, N.H. (AP) — Former New Hampshire Republican Senator John E. Sununu has kicked off his campaign for the U.S. Senate, looking to regain a position he lost nearly 20 years ago. Sununu's announcement comes as a renewed appeal for GOP support in a state currently dominated by Democratic representation.

At 61 years old, Sununu is pursuing the Republican nomination for the seat soon to be vacated by Democrat Sen. Jeanne Shaheen, who previously unseated him in 2008. His announcement sets the stage for a competitive primary in which he faces another former senator, Scott Brown, who moved to New Hampshire after serving in the Massachusetts Senate.

“Maybe you’re surprised to hear that I’m running for the Senate again. I’m a bit surprised myself,” Sununu remarked in a video announcement. “Why would anyone subject themselves to everything going on there right now? Well, somebody has to step up and lower the temperature. Somebody has to get things done.”

Given the national Republican perspective, Sununu is viewed as a prime candidate, lending a stronger offensive stance as the GOP strives to maintain its majority in the Senate during the next election cycle.

Sununu's entry has prompted the Republican National Committee to label him as a formidable candidate, asserting that his presence bolsters the operational landscape for Republicans in the 2026 Senate race, especially in the politically critical Granite State.

However, Sununu must navigate a challenging primary against Brown, who has solidified his alignment with Donald Trump. Sununu's previous criticism of Trump may complicate his campaign; he previously endorsed Nikki Haley in the Republican presidential race, labeling Trump as a “loser” in a published op-ed.

Despite his absence from the Senate, Sununu maintains substantial name recognition, bolstered by his family’s political heritage in New Hampshire. He aims to address the growing divisions in Congress by prioritizing economic improvement, healthcare access, and support for veterans.

As New Hampshire has seen all four of its congressional seats held by Democrats since 2017, Sununu's campaign is poised at a critical juncture, not only to potentially flip the Senate seat but also to reinvigorate his party's influence in the state.