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By Andrew Stanton and Gabe Whisnant
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Democratic Senator Jeanne Shaheen of New Hampshire announced she will not seek reelection in 2026, marking the end of a historic political career and delivering a major setback to Democrats as they struggle to regain control of the Senate.
Why It Matters
Democrats are trying to regain control of the Senate in 2026 after Republicans scored a 53-47 majority in the 2024 elections. Several Democratic senators have already announced plans to retire at the end of the current term, opening up their seats.
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Control of the chamber is critical as it determines President Donald Trump's ability to advance his legislative agenda and confirm judicial and political nominees.
Open races are typically more competitive, as popular incumbents like Shaheen are viewed as having an advantage.
New Hampshire only backed Vice President Kamala Harris by about 3 percentage points in 2024, meaning it is feasible the race could become competitive next year. However, Democrats are hoping a 2018-style blue wave will keep light blue states off the table for Republicans.
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What To Know
Shaheen, who turned 78 in January, was the first woman in U.S. history to be elected governor and senator. She made her announcement in a video posted to social media.
"Today, after careful consideration, I'm announcing that I have made the difficult decision not to seek reelection to the Senate in 2026," Shaheen said. "It's just time."
She said she is "determined to work everyday for the next two years and beyond to continue to try to make a difference for the people of New Hampshire and this country."
Shaheen was first elected to the Senate in 2008. She faced a close reelection in 2014, a strong year for Republicans, but ultimately eked out a victory over former Massachusetts Senator Scott Brown. In 2020, she sailed to a 16-point win in the Granite State.
Her announcement opens up the seat in New Hampshire, which both Democrats and Republicans will be trying to fill.
On the Republican side, former Governor Chris Sununu, who received strong approval ratings from New Hampshire voters during his tenure, told The Washington Times he hasn't completely ruled out a run.
"I have not ruled it out completely, but folks in Washington have asked me to think about it and to consider it, and that is just kind of where I am," he said.
Representative Chris Pappas, who represents a district comprising the eastern part of the state, including Dover, Manchester and Portsmouth, is viewed as a potential Democratic candidate.
If he decides not to run, former Representative Annie Kuster said she would consider the seat, according to The Boston Globe's Tal Kopan.
In addition to Shaheen, Michigan Senator Gary Peters and Minnesota Senator Tina Smith have also announced their retirement, giving the GOP a chance to flip three key battleground states where Trump remained competitive in 2024.
What People Are Saying
Nathaniel Rakich, former senior editor of FiveThirtyEight, on X, formerly Twitter: "Gary Peters, Tina Smith, and Jeanne Shaheen retiring have produced a lot of 'this is gonna make Dems' job harder' headlines, but really, it's strategic of them to retire in what's likely to be a pro-Dem midterm."
Democratic Representative Chris Pappas, in a statement: "Senator Shaheen is a trailblazing leader who has dedicated her career to putting New Hampshire first and working each and every day to protect our communities, strengthen our economy, and keep our nation safe. Her effective and determined leadership as our governor and United States senator has brought people together to solve tough problems and move New Hampshire forward."
National Republican Senatorial Committee Chair Senator Tim Scott, a South Carolina Republican, on X: "Another one! Shaheen's retirement is welcome news for Granite Staters eager for new leadership. New Hampshire has a proud tradition of electing common-sense Republicans—and will do so again in 2026!"
What Happens Next
New Hampshire will elect its next senator in November 2026.
This article includes reporting from the Associated Press.
Update 3/12/25, 12:30 p.m. ET: This article was updated with additional information.
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