A top Democrat has announced she will not seek re-election in 2026. The decision, revealed on Wednesday, March 12, 2025, sets the stage for a highly competitive and costly Senate race.
In a video address to her supporters, Senator Jeanne Shaheen, 78, stated, “Today, I am announcing that I have made the difficult decision not to seek re-election to the Senate in 2026.”
Shaheen, who represents New Hampshire, indicated that “it’s just time” for this decision, though she made clear her intention to remain in office for the remainder of her term. She is committed to continue working for New Hampshire and the nation throughout the next two years.
As the top Democrat on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, Shaheen has been a significant figure in New Hampshire politics. She was the first woman elected as governor of New Hampshire and the first in the U.S. to have served as both a governor and a senator. Her decision to step down marks the conclusion of a long and influential political career.
Shaheen cited concerns about the current political environment, including President Donald Trump’s focus on political retribution and budget cuts, as influences on her decision. She also emphasized the need for new leadership in New Hampshire and throughout the country.
Her retirement is the third among Democrats in potentially competitive states for the 2026 cycle. Michigan’s Senator Gary Peters also announced he would not run again, and Minnesota’s Senator Tina Smith plans to retire next year.
Currently, Republicans hold a 53-47 majority in the Senate. Democrats need to gain four seats to secure a majority, considering the Republican vice president’s role in tie-breaking votes.
The open New Hampshire seat is expected to attract interest from both parties. Former Republican Senator Scott Brown, who lost to Shaheen in 2014, is reportedly considering a run. Brown was seen meeting with Senate Republicans in Washington, D.C., and has expressed interest in running again.
On social media platform X, Brown acknowledged Shaheen’s service and suggested his candidacy, emphasizing the need for a representative who supports the Trump agenda.
Former Republican Governor Chris Sununu is another potential candidate. Although he has previously declined to run for the Senate, Sununu told The Washington Times that he has not entirely ruled out the possibility.
On the Democratic side, Representative Chris Pappas is reportedly considering a Senate bid. First-term Representative Maggie Goodlander is also contemplating a run, according to sources familiar with her plans.
Former Democratic Representative Annie Kuster expressed interest in entering the race if Pappas decides not to run.
Ray Buckley, the New Hampshire Democratic Party Chairman, described the upcoming contest as a “premier U.S. Senate race,” highlighting its significance for both parties.
Jim Demers, a longtime Democratic strategist, noted the challenges Democrats face without Shaheen on the ballot. He mentioned that the race would be more competitive and costly, given New Hampshire’s substantial independent voter population.
The political landscape in New Hampshire is mixed. While Democrats hold the entire congressional delegation, Republicans control the governorship, both state legislative chambers, and a majority in the executive council.
Recent elections demonstrate the state’s competitive nature. In the 2024 presidential race, Democrat Kamala Harris won New Hampshire by three percentage points, while Republican Kelly Ayotte secured the governorship by defeating Joyce Craig.
Kelly Ayotte is the last Republican to have represented New Hampshire in the Senate, losing her re-election bid in 2016 to Democratic Senator Maggie Hassan. Ayotte succeeded Chris Sununu as governor, maintaining Republican control of the state executive branch.
National Republicans are optimistic about flipping the seat. Tim Scott, Chairman of the National Republican Senatorial Committee, expressed confidence that New Hampshire will elect a Republican in 2026.
Democrats remain hopeful about retaining the seat. David Bergstein, spokesman for the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee, noted that no Republican has won a Senate seat in New Hampshire in over a decade and expects this trend to continue in 2026.
Political analysts classify the race as competitive but leaning Democratic. As of early 2025, Inside Elections, The Cook Political Report, and Sabato’s Crystal Ball all rate the New Hampshire Senate race as “Lean Democratic.”
The 2026 election is scheduled for November 3, with the primary taking place earlier in the year. State election officials have not yet announced the filing deadline for candidates.