New Hampshire Democratic Sen. Jeanne Shaheen not running for re-election in 2026

Democratic Sen. Jeanne Shaheen of New Hampshire has announced her retirement from the Senate, choosing not to seek re-election in the upcoming 2026 midterms. This decision by the three-term senator and former governor of a key New England swing state has added a layer of complexity to the Democrats’ quest to regain control of the Senate from the Republicans in the next election cycle.

In a statement released on Wednesday, Shaheen stated, “I ran for public office to make a difference for the people of New Hampshire. That purpose has never and will never change. But today, after careful consideration, I am announcing that I have made the difficult decision not to seek re-election to the Senate in 2026.” At the age of 78, Shaheen emphasized that “it’s just time” for her to step back from the political arena.

Speculation had been mounting about Shaheen’s intentions, especially after her relatively low fundraising numbers in the final quarter of 2024. While some interpreted this as a sign of her potential retirement, sources close to Shaheen clarified that the senator had not prioritized fundraising in the midst of the 2024 presidential election. Despite the uncertainty, Shaheen had a major fundraiser scheduled for March 20 in Manchester, New Hampshire, the status of which remains unknown.

With Shaheen bowing out, Republicans see an opportunity to flip the Senate seat from blue to red. Former Sen. Scott Brown, who narrowly lost to Shaheen in the 2014 election, is considering a run for the seat in a possible rematch. Brown, who served as U.S. ambassador to New Zealand during the Trump administration, has been meeting with GOP officials and supporters in New Hampshire and Washington, D.C.

The 2026 elections present a battleground for both parties, with Republicans aiming to expand their Senate majority. Besides New Hampshire, key targets for the GOP include Michigan, Georgia, and Minnesota, where Democratic incumbents have announced their retirements. Democrats, on the other hand, are eyeing Maine and North Carolina as opportunities to gain ground in the Senate.

As the political landscape shifts leading up to the 2026 midterms, the race for control of the Senate is sure to intensify. With Shaheen’s retirement opening up a coveted seat in New Hampshire, both parties are gearing up for a competitive and crucial election cycle.