John E. Sununu Launches Senate Campaign to Reclaim Lost Seat

Wed Oct 22 2025 22:36:51 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)

Former New Hampshire Senator John E. Sununu has announced his candidacy for the U.S. Senate, seeking to reclaim a seat he lost nearly two decades ago and boost Republican chances in a predominantly Democratic region.

On Wednesday, John E. Sununu declared his intention to run for the U.S. Senate, aiming to retake the seat previously held by Senator Jeanne Shaheen, who ousted him in 2008. Sununu, along with Scott Brown, is part of a competitive Republican primary as national GOP leaders see potential in flipping this Democratic stronghold. Sununu's past opposition to Donald Trump could pose challenges in securing the nomination. He emphasizes the need for a calmer and more productive Congress, focusing on economic issues and healthcare.

CONCORD, N.H. (AP) — John E. Sununu, a prominent Republican from New Hampshire, announced his bid for a U.S. Senate seat on Wednesday, aiming to reclaim a position he lost nearly two decades ago. This move marks a significant tilt in the competition for a region largely dominated by Democratic representatives.

At 61, Sununu seeks the Republican nomination for the seat being vacated by Senator Jeanne Shaheen, a Democrat who defeated him back in 2008. This primary is likely to be competitive, with former Massachusetts Senator Scott Brown also in the race, who has been campaigning since June.

In a video announcement, Sununu expressed surprise at his decision to run again, stating, “Maybe you’re surprised to hear that I’m running for the Senate again. I’m a bit surprised myself. Well, somebody has to step up and lower the temperature. Somebody has to get things done.”

The Republican National Committee is optimistic about Sununu's candidacy, indicating that it expands their chances to reclaim a seat in the Senate in 2026.

However, Sununu's path may not be smooth; he must first navigate a primary race where his previous struggles with Donald Trump could hinder his efforts. In contrast, Scott Brown has aligned closely with Trump, making the primary dynamic more complex.

Both Republican candidates will need to rally support as they take on the Democratic front-runners vying for the nomination, particularly U.S. Representative Chris Pappas, who is already positioning himself as a strong contender while criticizing Sununu's corporate ties.

Despite being out of office for years, Sununu retains high name recognition due to his family's political legacy, which includes his father's former governorship and Chief of Staff role at the White House. The race is shaping up to be a pivotal moment for New Hampshire Republicans as they strive to gain ground in a state that has been leaning towards Democrats in recent years.