Democratic Sen. Jeanne Shaheen won’t seek reelection in 2026, kicking off what could be a hotly contested race to replace her in the state of New Hampshire.
“It’s just time,” Shaheen, 78, said in a video posted on social media.
Shaheen’s decision to not seek a fourth term means Democrats will now be defending open seats in three states, including in Minnesota and Michigan, where Sens. Tina Smith and Gary Peters also announced they would not be seeking reelection next year.
Republicans are hoping to add to their 53-seat Senate majority by courting former Massachusetts GOP Sen. Scott Brown, who challenged Shaheen unsuccessfully in 2014. Brown met with Senate Republicans on Capitol Hill on Tuesday and is exploring a Senate bid in the Granite State. Former New Hampshire Gov. Chris Sununu is also viewed as a possible candidate in the race.
On the Democratic side, Rep. Chris Pappas (D-N.H.) is the most obvious potential contender. A source familiar with his thinking said Wednesday he was “strongly” considering a run.
“Senator Shaheen is a trailblazer who has worked every day to put New Hampshire first and make a difference for our families, community, and economy,” Pappas wrote on social media in a statement that did not directly address whether he would run. “Thank you for always leading with integrity, determination, and effectiveness for our state and nation.”
If Pappas doesn’t run, both freshman Rep. Maggie Goodlander and former Rep. Annie Kuster are possible candidates.
New Hampshire, while a swing state, has a distinct Democratic lean: No Republican has won it on the presidential level since 2004. That should make the party slight favorites in what should be a midterm political environment favoring Democrats.
But New Hampshire can be a tricky state to raise money and build name identification in. There is relatively little money in the state, and campaigns must reach voters through the ultra-expensive Boston television market. The state also holds its congressional primaries late, giving unknown candidates little time to introduce themselves to the general electorate.
Shaheen was first elected to the Senate in 2008 after serving as governor of New Hampshire. She’s held several important posts in the upper chamber, including most recently as the top Democrat on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee.
“While I am not seeking reelection, believe me, I am not retiring,” Shaheen said Wednesday. “I am determined to work every day over the next two years and beyond to continue to try to make a difference for the people of New Hampshire and this country.”
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