The Democrat party’s problems keep getting worse.
Senator Jeanne Shaheen’s decision not to seek re-election to a fourth term in 2026 has sent shockwaves through the political landscape. The 78-year-old Democrat, who made history as the first woman to be both the governor of New Hampshire and a U.S. senator, announced on Wednesday that she will step down after her current term ends.
In a video statement, Shaheen explained her decision: “It’s just time.” She stressed that, despite retiring from the Senate, she would continue to work hard for New Hampshire and the nation over the next two years. “I am not retiring. I am determined to keep making a difference,” she added, while acknowledging that the current political climate, particularly with President Trump’s influence, had made the decision more difficult.
This announcement comes just one day after reports surfaced that former New Hampshire Governor Chris Sununu, a popular Republican figure, was considering a run for Shaheen’s Senate seat. Sununu had initially shown reluctance to challenge Shaheen’s colleague, Senator Maggie Hassan, in 2022, but his decision to potentially enter the race has now given Republicans renewed hope for gaining ground in New Hampshire.
Shaheen’s retirement follows similar moves by other prominent Democrats. Senators Gary Peters of Michigan and Tina Smith of Minnesota also announced they will not seek re-election in 2026, opening the door for potential Republican gains in those states. With Democrats already facing a challenging electoral landscape, Republicans are optimistic about picking up seats in New Hampshire and Michigan, strengthening their 53-47 majority in the Senate.
While Republicans have a steep task ahead, the exit of long-time Democrat incumbents provides an opportunity for a new generation of leadership to emerge, both in New Hampshire and nationwide. For New Hampshire Republicans, Sununu’s potential candidacy is seen as a strong opportunity to break the state’s Democratic dominance in the Senate since Kelly Ayotte lost in 2016.
Shaheen’s departure also opens the door for Rep. Chris Pappas to make a play for the Democratic nomination. However, with the New Hampshire GOP eager to recapture the Senate seat, all eyes will remain on the Granite State as the 2026 election approaches.