New Hampshire Gov. Sununu not ruling out 2026 Senate run

interview that he has no plans to reach out to the former president for his potential Senate run.

“I don’t need to talk to him. I don’t need to get his blessing,” Sununu said. “I’m a grown man. I can make my own decisions. I can run my own campaign.”

Sununu, who comes from a long line of prominent Republicans – his father John H. Sununu served as White House chief of staff under former President George H.W. Bush, and his brother John E. Sununu served as a U.S. senator from New Hampshire – emphasized that he’s in a strong position to mount a Senate campaign.

“I know how to run a campaign. I know how to win elections,” Sununu said. “I’ve done it before, and I can do it again.”

Sununu highlighted his record as governor, pointing to his successful stewardship of New Hampshire through the COVID-19 pandemic and his focus on cutting taxes and reducing government spending.

“I’ve delivered results for the people of New Hampshire. I’ve shown that I can lead in times of crisis,” Sununu said. “I think that’s going to resonate with voters in 2026.”

As he weighs a potential Senate run, Sununu also emphasized the need for strong leadership in Washington.

“We need leaders who are going to put the interests of the American people first, not partisan politics,” Sununu said. “I think I can be that kind of leader in the Senate.”

Sununu’s potential Senate bid is already generating buzz among Republicans in New Hampshire and beyond.

“Chris Sununu is a proven leader with a strong record of accomplishment,” said New Hampshire Republican Party Chair Steve Stepanek. “I think he would make an excellent senator, and I know he has a lot of support in New Hampshire.”

With Shaheen’s retirement creating an open Senate seat in New Hampshire, the race is expected to be one of the most closely watched contests in the 2026 midterms.

As Sununu considers his political future, he remains focused on serving the people of New Hampshire.

“I love this state, and I love the people here,” Sununu said. “Whatever decision I make, it will be with their best interests at heart.”