New Hampshire Sen. Jeanne Shaheen becomes the latest Dem not running for re-election
Sen.Jeanne Shaheen revealed Wednesday that she won’t seek re-election to a fourth term in 2026, the third Democrat in the upper chamber to announce her retirement following this cycle.“It’s just time,” said Shaheen, 78, in a video statement.
“Believe me, I am not retiring,” added Shaheen (D-NH).“I am determined to work every day over the next two years and beyond, to continue to try and make a difference for the people of New Hampshire and this country.”“It was a difficult decision, made more difficult by the current environment in the country — by President Trump and what he’s doing right now,” Shaheen told the New York Times Tuesday of her decision to walk away.“It’s important for New Hampshire and the country to have a new generation of leadership.”Shaheen, who made history as the first woman to be elected to both a state governorship and the US Senate, made the announcement days after reports emerged that popular Republican former Gov.
Chris Sununu was mulling a challenge to her — reversing his earlier reluctance to take on Shaheen’s colleague, Sen.Maggie Hassan (D-NH), in 2022.Sens.
Gary Peters (D-Mich.) and Tina Smith (D-Minn.) previously opted against running for re-election in 2026, and Shaheen’s announcement will raise Republican hopes of picking up seats in both Michigan and New Hampshire.Senate Republicans have just one open seat to defend after Sen.
Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) announced he would not seek an eighth six-year term.Prior to Shaheen’s announcement, there had been speculation that she was eyeing an exit from elected office.As of the end of 2024, her campaign had approximately $1.45 million in cash on hand, considered a low amount for a potentially competitive Senate race.Rep.
Chris Pappas (D-NH) is contemplating a run to replace Shaheen as the Democratic standard-bearer, Politico reported, and would be the early favorite to win a competitive primary.Republicans are defending 22 of the 35 Senate seats up f...