Senator Jeanne Shaheen Announces Departure, Sparking a Competitive Race for New Hampshire's Senate Seat

Democratic Senator Jeanne Shaheen of New Hampshire declared on Wednesday her decision not to run for reelection in 2026, paving the way for a potentially intense race in the Granite State to find her successor. “I entered public service to genuinely impact the lives of New Hampshire’s citizens. That mission remains unchanged and always will. Yet, after serious reflection, I’ve come to the difficult choice not to run for Senate again in 2026. It’s simply time,” she explained in a video released by her congressional office.

At 78, Shaheen has been a dedicated member of the US Senate since 2009, securing reelection in both 2014 and 2020. Currently, she holds the position of leading Democrat on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee.

Behind the scenes, New Hampshire Democrats had been urging her to consider a run for a fourth term, individuals close to the situation reported. However, Shaheen kept her decision under wraps until now.

Before she took office as a senator, Shaheen served three terms as New Hampshire’s governor, becoming the first woman to be elected as the state’s top official in 1996.

In her announcement video, Shaheen made it clear that choosing not to seek reelection doesn’t mean she is retiring. “Believe me, I am not retiring,” she emphasized, noting she intends to fulfill her current term, which lasts until 2027.

Shaheen’s departure creates an opportunity for others and poses a risk to a critical Senate seat for the Democrats. Political interest in New Hampshire is already intensifying.

Former Republican New Hampshire Governor Chris Sununu, who left office with commendable approval ratings, has not dismissed the possibility of running for the Senate, as indicated in a recent conversation with The Washington Times.

Additionally, Democratic US Representative Chris Pappas, representing a district that includes Manchester, is seriously contemplating a 2026 campaign for the vacant seat, according to someone knowledgeable about his considerations.

Another Democratic contender, former US Representative Ann Kuster, who just stepped away from Congress, stated to CNN that she would “consider the possibility seriously” if Pappas ultimately decides not to run.

Former Republican Senator Scott Brown of Massachusetts is also weighing his options regarding a run for the prized New Hampshire seat. Prior to Shaheen’s announcement, he informed CNN on Tuesday that he’s “still pondering it.” Brown, who served as an ambassador during Trump’s initial term, challenged Shaheen for the seat in 2014, narrowly losing by about three percentage points.

After Shaheen’s declaration, David Bergstein, a spokesperson from the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee, expressed confidence in the party’s capacity to maintain control over the seat.

“No Republican has clinched a Senate victory in New Hampshire in over a decade, and this pattern will persist into 2026. This state is exactly where the budding midterm backlash against Republicans will significantly challenge their candidates,” he stated.