CONCORD, N.H. – Soon after Democratic New Hampshire Senator Jeanne Shaheen announced that she would not seek reelection in 2026, local officials and members of the state’s congressional delegation were quick to laud her as a trailblazer – and quick to hint that they could be interested in running for her seat.
“Senator Shaheen is a trailblazer who has worked every day to put New Hampshire first and make a difference for our families, community, and economy,” Congressman Chris Pappas said in a statement.
Shaheen is currently serving her third term as a US Senator. Before that, she was New Hampshire’s first female governor, a role she held for three terms from 1997 through 2003. Now 78, she was the first woman elected to serve as both governor and senator in the United States.
“I ran for public office to make a difference for the people of New Hampshire. That purpose has never, and will never, change,” she said in a video announcing her retirement.
Today, after careful consideration, I’m announcing that I have made the difficult decision not to seek reelection to the Senate in 2026.
There are urgent challenges ahead, both here at home and around the world. And while I’m not seeking re-election – believe me – I am not… pic.twitter.com/h0urg7ZZx6
— Sen. Jeanne Shaheen (@SenatorShaheen) March 12, 2025
Pappas said that when he volunteered on Shaheen’s first gubernatorial race in 1996, “I saw firsthand her commitment and tireless work ethic, and I thank her for setting an example of how to lead with integrity and for being my friend.”
Pappas is considering running for Shaheen’s seat, both Axios and the Associated Press have reported.
And he’s not the only one eyeing the race.
Ann M. Kuster, a former Democratic US Congresswoman from New Hampshire, told the Globe she’s grateful for Shaheen’s many years of service in state and federal government. “She exemplifies integrity of the highest order,” Kuster said. “If Pappas doesn’t run, I would take a serious look at the race.”
Congresswoman Maggie Goodlander, a Democrat, called Shaheen “a true New Hampshire hero,” commending her ability to listen to the people of New Hampshire and deliver for them.
“In every corner of our state, I see her legacy living and breathing in the people and the communities she’s helped over five decades of service to our state and our nation,” Goodlander said.
Goodlander is also considering a run for Senate in 2026, according to a source familiar with her thinking.
US Senator Maggie Hassan said Shaheen has personified New Hampshire politics and progress for decades.
“She is an extraordinary public servant who built the New Hampshire Democratic Party into what it is today,” Hassan said in a statement. She pointed to Shaheen’s accomplishments, including expanding public kindergarten around the state.
New Hampshire Democratic Party Chair Raymond Buckley called Shaheen “an iconic New Hampshire trailblazer.”
“Senator Shaheen has dedicated her career to being an effective voice for Granite Staters and has delivered for our communities, small businesses, veterans, and families,” he said in a statement, highlighting her work on reproductive rights and public education.
When Shaheen last ran for the seat in 2020 she defeated her Republican challenger by about 16 points, but Republicans hope the open seat will be an opportunity for them in 2026.
Former governor Chris Sununu floated the idea in an interview with The Washington Times on Tuesday.
“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,” Sununu said.
Scott P. Brown, the former US Senator from Massachusetts who was the 2014 Republican nominee for US Senate in New Hampshire said he appreciated Shaheen’s service to the state. He lost the 2014 race to Shaheen by about 3 points and is reportedly considering a run in 2026.
“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 said in a social media post.
Tim Scott, the US Senator from South Carolina and the incoming National Republican Senatorial Committee Chairman, has previously suggested New Hampshire could be high on the RNC’s list of states it hopes to gain in the 2026 midterm elections.
“Another one! Shaheen’s retirement is welcome news for Granite Staters eager for new leadership,” he said in a social media post. “New Hampshire has a proud tradition of electing common-sense Republicans — and will do so again in 2026!”
Tal Kopan and Sam Brodey of the Globe staff contributed to this report.
Amanda Gokee can be reached at [email protected]. Follow her @amanda_gokee.
