
Chris Sununu Declines to Run for U.S. Senate in 2026
New Hampshire Governor Chris Sununu has announced he will not run for the U.S. Senate in the 2026 election, a decision that has stirred political circles across the state and nation. Sununu, a popular Republican figure, had been urged by former President Donald Trump to challenge incumbent Democratic Senator Jeanne Shaheen. Despite the encouragement, Sununu decided against entering the race, citing his commitment to state governance and his belief in fostering new leadership.
Sununu's decision comes amidst speculation about his future political ambitions, with many believing he could have posed a formidable challenge to Shaheen. His announcement has left the Republican Party in New Hampshire searching for a strong candidate to take on Shaheen, who has held her Senate seat since 2009. The choice by Sununu not to run has also been seen as a strategic move, potentially keeping his options open for future political endeavors, including a possible presidential run.
The political landscape in New Hampshire remains dynamic, with the Senate race now open for other Republican hopefuls to step up. Sununu's decision underscores the complexities of political strategy and personal career choices in the high-stakes world of U.S. politics.