Former U.S. Senator John E. Sununu, a Republican, is positioning himself for a potential return to political prominence through a 2026 midterm bid for New Hampshire’s Senate seat. Sununu, the older brother of former New Hampshire Governor Chris Sununu, previously served as a senator from 2003 to 2009 and represented the state in the U.S. House of Representatives from 1997 to 2003.
His political career faced a setback in 2008 when he lost re-election to former Governor Jeanne Shaheen, who recently announced she would not seek another term in 2026. Sununu has maintained contact with the White House and is anticipated to meet with former President Donald Trump, according to an anonymous senior official. Despite Trump’s contentious history in New Hampshire, his endorsement could prove pivotal for Sununu’s GOP primary chances.
Sununu has historically opposed Trump, serving as a national co-chair for John Kasich’s 2016 campaign and backing Nikki Haley in 2024. He once criticized Trump as a “loser” in an op-ed ahead of a 2023 GOP primary, where Trump secured victory by 11 points. Nonetheless, Sununu’s prominence as a member of New Hampshire’s influential Republican political family—his father, John H. Sununu, served as governor and White House chief of staff, while his brother Chris Sununu was also governor—could bolster the GOP’s prospects in the state.
New Hampshire is seen as a key target for Republicans aiming to flip a Senate seat from Democratic control. A circulated memo among Senate Republicans suggests that if Sununu secures the nomination, the race would transition from “competitive to a top pickup opportunity” for the party. The document highlights polling data indicating Sununu’s viability against Democratic front-runner Rep. Chris Pappas.
Sununu’s potential candidacy comes as Senate GOP leadership, including Majority Leader John Thune, has actively pursued him since it became clear his brother would not run. Thune and former Senate Leadership Fund Chair Cory Gardner have urged Sununu to enter the race, with sources confirming early discussions this year. The memo, dated Oct. 15 and obtained by NOTUS, underscores the strategic interest in Sununu’s potential bid as he prepares to announce his plans soon.