Another One: Dem Senator Won’t Seek Reelection—GOP Ready to Flip New Hampshire [WATCH] |​ RVM News

Sen. Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) announced Wednesday that she will not seek reelection in 2026, setting up a competitive battle for her seat in a key swing state.

Her departure presents an opportunity for Republicans as they look to expand their Senate majority.

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Shaheen, 78, made her announcement in a video message, reflecting on her decades in public service.

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“Serving the people of New Hampshire, first as state senator, then as governor, and now in the United States Senate is an incredible honor,” she said.

“I ran for public office to make a difference for the people of New Hampshire, that purpose has never and will never change,” she continued.

“But today, after careful consideration, I’m announcing that I have made the difficult decision not to seek reelection to the Senate in 2026. It’s just time.”

Shaheen, the first woman to serve as both governor and U.S. senator from New Hampshire, currently serves as the ranking member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee.

Her decision not to run for a fourth term could complicate Democratic efforts to maintain control of the Senate, especially in a state that has a history of closely contested races.

Shaheen’s retirement has already generated enthusiasm among Republicans looking to flip the seat.

National Republican Senatorial Committee (NRSC) Chairman Sen. Tim Scott (R-SC) welcomed the news, signaling optimism for the GOP’s chances in 2026.

“Another one! Shaheen’s retirement is welcome news for Granite Staters eager for new leadership. New Hampshire has a proud tradition of electing common-sense Republicans—and will do so again in 2026!” Scott wrote on X.

Former New Hampshire Gov. Chris Sununu, a Republican, has previously ruled out a Senate run but recently suggested he may reconsider.

“I have not ruled it out completely, but folks in Washington have asked me to think about it and to consider it, and that is just kind of where I am,” Sununu told The Washington Times on Tuesday.

Another potential Republican contender is former Sen. Scott Brown, who previously represented Massachusetts before moving to New Hampshire.

Brown attended a Senate GOP lunch on Capitol Hill on Tuesday, fueling speculation about a possible run. He acknowledged Shaheen’s service while also hinting at his interest in the seat.

“I appreciate @jeanneshaheen’s service to our state and for her support and vote for me as NH’s Ambassador to NZ and Samoa,” Brown wrote on X. “Now it’s time for New Hampshire to have someone in the delegation who fights for our priorities and stands with, not against, the Trump agenda.”

At least one Democrat, Rep. Chris Pappas (D-NH), is reportedly considering a run for Shaheen’s seat.

According to Axios, Pappas is “definitely considering” entering the race, though no official announcement has been made.

New Hampshire’s political landscape remains competitive, with the state voting for then-Vice President Kamala Harris in the 2024 presidential election while electing Republican Kelly Ayotte as governor in the same year.

If Sununu were to enter the race, he could be a formidable candidate, given his strong approval ratings in the state.

Shaheen’s retirement marks the third Senate Democrat to step down ahead of 2026, following Sens. Gary Peters (D-MI) and Tina Smith (D-MN). With the Republican Party currently holding a 53-47 majority, the Democratic path to retaking control of the chamber has become more difficult.

Democrats will have to defend multiple competitive seats while also targeting vulnerable Republicans, including Sen. Thom Tillis (R-NC), who is up for reelection.

However, with three open Democratic seats to defend, the party faces a steep challenge in regaining the Senate majority.

As the 2026 race takes shape, New Hampshire is expected to be one of the most closely watched battlegrounds, with both parties gearing up for a high-stakes fight to control the seat.

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