Sen. Jeanne Shaheen Won’t Seek Reelection, A Blow to Dem Senate Battle/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ Sen. Jeanne Shaheen announced she won’t seek reelection in 2026, ending her decades-long political career. Her retirement adds to Democrats’ challenges in defending Senate seats as Republicans seek to expand their majority. Potential candidates from both parties emerge, with former Rep. Chris Pappas and ex-Sen. Scott Brown considering bids.
Sen. Shaheen’s Retirement and 2026 Senate Battle: Quick Looks
- Historic Career Ends: Jeanne Shaheen, the first woman elected as both governor and senator, won’t run in 2026.
- Senate Power Shift: With Republicans holding a 53-47 majority, Shaheen’s exit gives the GOP a key pickup opportunity.
- Democrats on Defense: Michigan, Minnesota, and New Hampshire now open Senate seats, increasing Republican chances.
- Republican Hopefuls: Scott Brown, a former Massachusetts senator and Trump ambassador, eyes a comeback bid.
- Democratic Contenders: Rep. Chris Pappas is a leading choice, but other names may emerge.
- New Hampshire’s Swing State Status: Though Democrats have won recent presidential elections, the state has a history of electing Republicans.
- Democrats Push Back: The party insists that New Hampshire remains tough territory for Republicans.
- Shaheen’s Next Steps: Though retiring from the Senate, she vows to keep working on national and state issues.
Deep Look: Shaheen’s Retirement Reshapes New Hampshire’s 2026 Senate Race
Jeanne Shaheen Announces Retirement After Trailblazing Career
In a major shift for New Hampshire politics, Sen. Jeanne Shaheen announced she will not seek reelection in 2026, ending a historic career that saw her become the first woman elected as both a governor and senator in the U.S.
“It’s just time,” Shaheen said in a video posted to social media, citing decades of public service and the need for new leadership.
Shaheen, who turned 78 in January, has been a dominant political figure in New Hampshire since the 1990s. First elected governor in 1996, she served three terms before winning a U.S. Senate seat in 2008. She later rose to become the top Democrat on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee.
Democrats Face Growing Challenges in 2026 Senate Battle
Even before Shaheen’s retirement, Democrats were facing an uphill battle in the 2026 midterms.
- Republicans currently hold 53 Senate seats, compared to 47 for Democrats (including two independents who caucus with them).
- New Hampshire’s open seat joins Michigan and Minnesota, where Democratic senators Gary Peters and Tina Smith have also announced their retirements.
- Republicans see a strong opportunity in Georgia, where Democratic Sen. Jon Ossoff is up for reelection in a tight race.
With the Senate controlling President Donald Trump’s legislative agenda, judicial appointments, and cabinet confirmations, both parties see New Hampshire as a must-win battleground.
Who’s Running? Potential Candidates Emerge
Shaheen’s departure sets up a competitive race, with candidates from both parties considering bids.
- Democratic Contenders:
- Rep. Chris Pappas, a four-term congressman from New Hampshire’s 1st District, is seen as a frontrunner.
- Other statewide Democratic leaders may enter the race.
- Republican Contenders:
- Scott Brown, the former Massachusetts senator and Trump’s ambassador to New Zealand, has expressed interest.
- Brown previously challenged Shaheen in 2014 but lost.
- Other New Hampshire Republicans, including Gov. Kelly Ayotte, could also consider a run.
New Hampshire has favored Democrats in recent presidential elections, but Republicans have held power in the past, most recently with Kelly Ayotte’s Senate win in 2010 and her gubernatorial victory in 2024.
Republicans See Opportunity, But Democrats Push Back
While Republicans see New Hampshire as a potential pickup, Democrats argue the state remains a Democratic stronghold in Senate races.
“No Republican has won a Senate race here in over a decade, and that trend will continue in 2026,” said David Bergstein, spokesman for the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee.
Still, with Trump losing New Hampshire by less than 3% in 2024, Republicans believe the state is in play, particularly if voter enthusiasm for Trump’s policies and judicial appointments remains high.
Shaheen’s Legacy and Future Plans
Shaheen’s impact on New Hampshire politics is undeniable, having shaped policy on foreign relations, women’s rights, and economic development. While stepping away from electoral politics, she emphasized that she is not retiring from public service.
“There are urgent challenges ahead, both here at home and around the world. While I’m not seeking reelection, I will continue to work for the people of New Hampshire and this country,” Shaheen said.
With her Senate seat now up for grabs, all eyes are on who will step up to carry her legacy—or reshape New Hampshire’s political future.
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