The nonpartisan Prepare dinner Political Record rated New Hampshire Sen. Jeanne Shaheen’s (D) Senate seat as “lean Democrat” following the senator’s announcement she would no longer search reelection in 2026.
Whilst the seat would possibly lean towards Democrats, Republicans have expressed optimism they may be able to turn the seat. Final month, Nationwide Republican Senatorial Committee Chair Tim Scott (R-S.C.) named New Hampshire as one of the vital committee’s six battleground states, at the side of Georgia, Michigan, Maine, North Carolina and Ohio.
Shaheen’s retirement follows Minnesota Sen. Tina Smith’s (D) announcement remaining month that she would no longer search reelection and a retirement announcement in January from Michigan Sen. Gary Peters (D).
Scott celebrated information of the Democratic retirement in a commentary Thursday.
“Another one! Shaheen’s retirement is welcome news for Granite Staters eager for new leadership,” Scott stated. “New Hampshire has a proud custom of electing common sense Republicans—and can accomplish that once more in 2026!”
Republicans are hoping to recruit former Massachusetts Sen. Scott Brown (R) to run for the seat. Brown used to be noticed on the Capitol Tuesday afternoon visiting with Sen. Rand Paul (R-Ky.).
The previous Massachusetts senator, who unsuccessfully challenged Shaheen for her Senate seat in 2014, instructed The Hill that he’s eager about operating once more.
Brown stated in a put up on social platform X that it’s time to have any person within the state’s delegation that helps President Trump.
“I appreciate [Shaheen]’s service to our state and for her support and vote for me as NH’s Ambassador to NZ and Samoa. Now it’s time for New Hampshire to have someone in the delegation who fights for our priorities and stands with, not against, the Trump agenda,” Brown stated within the put up.
Former New Hampshire Gov. Chris Sununu (R) has additionally been a goal of Republican recruiting efforts and has stated he does no longer have hobby in operating for Senate. Alternatively, he instructed The Washington Instances this week he hasn’t “ruled it out completely.”
