Former Republican Sen. John E. Sununu is critically exploring a bid to return to the Senate in his house state of New Hampshire, a number of sources aware of his plans inform CBS Information.
The previous senator, a part of the influential Sununu political dynasty, has been seen as a prime recruit for Republicans forward of subsequent 12 months’s midterm elections. Democratic Sen. Jeanne Shaheen is not operating for reelection in 2026, leaving the sector broad open.
A supply near the White Home confirmed to CBS Information that senior officers have given their blessing to a possible Sununu marketing campaign. The information was first reported by NOTUS.
New Hampshire has been a positive state for Republicans operating for governor in recent times, however is a harder problem in Senate contests. No Republican has received a Senate race within the state since 2010. Recruiting viable challengers has confirmed to be a persistent concern on the Republican facet, evidenced partly by the truth that John E. Sununu’s youthful brother — former GOP Gov. Chris Sununu — has been unwilling to run for federal workplace.
Chatting with New Hampshire’s WMUR on Tuesday, John E. Sununu mentioned he’ll “critically contemplate a run” and expects to decide by the tip of subsequent month.
“Over the previous month, folks from throughout New Hampshire have inspired me to run for Senate. They really feel it is a actually essential time for the state — that we want somebody to signify us with our values, somebody not sure to social gathering traces, who’s keen to take dangers and get issues performed,” Sununu mentioned. “I actually agree, and I’ll critically contemplate a run. Over the subsequent month, I am going to journey throughout the state, discuss to folks, hear, and ensure we are able to construct a powerful workforce.”
Requested by WMUR whether or not he would search an endorsement from President Trump, Sununu mentioned he hopes to attraction broadly.
“I might wish to win assist, if I had been to run, throughout all the spectrum — and clearly that features the president,” Sununu mentioned. “We’ll cross that bridge after we get to it. If I resolve to run, I think about there might be primaries on either side. However I am enthusiastic about reaching out throughout the state, speaking to folks, and making the best determination for New Hampshire.”
If Sununu decides to run, he might want to face off in a GOP major towards Scott Brown, who briefly represented Massachusetts within the Senate earlier than transferring to New Hampshire in 2013. State Sen. Dan Innis is additionally operating in subsequent 12 months’s GOP Senate race.
On the Democratic facet, U.S. Rep. Chris Pappas is operating to exchange Shaheen.
Sununu served within the Senate for one time period within the 2000s, earlier than shedding to then-former Gov. Shaheen within the 2008 cycle by round six share factors in a rematch of their 2002 Senate contest.
His household has a protracted historical past in New Hampshire GOP politics. His father, John H. Sununu, served as governor within the Nineteen Eighties, earlier than working as former President George H.W. Bush’s chief of workers.
