Longtime New Hampshire Sen. Jeanne Shaheen announced she will retire at the end of her term next year, adding another open seat for Democrats to defend in 2026 and further hobbling their chances of reclaiming the Senate majority.
She’s the third Senate Democrat on the way out.
“Today, after careful consideration, I’m announcing that I have made the difficult decision not to seek reelection to the Senate in 2026,” Ms. Shaheen, 78, said in a video on X. “It’s just time.”
She added, “There are urgent challenges ahead, both here at home and around the world and while I am not seeking reelection, believe me, I am not retiring.”
Ms. Shaheen has been one the Granite State’s senators since 2009 and is the top Democrat on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. She has been a vocal supporter of Ukraine and, with Sen. Thom Tillis, North Carolina Republican, recently introduced a resolution backing the war-torn country as talks of a ceasefire appeared on thin ice.
The other Senate Democrats retiring are Michigan’s Gary Peters and Minnesota’s Tina Smith.
Republicans are salivating at the chance to keep and expand their majority in the Senate, but Ms. Shaheen’s seat is not an automatic GOP victory. The Cook Political Report listed her seat as “lean Democrat” in their most recent political rating for Senate races in the upcoming cycle.
National Republican Senatorial Committee Chair Tim Scott, South Carolina Republican, welcomed the news.
“Another one,” Mr. Scott posted on X. “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!”
Two contenders had already materialized in what was expected to be a fight to oust Ms. Shaheen.
Former Sen. Scott Brown of Massachusetts failed to beat Ms. Shaheen in 2014 and is considered a candidate for Republicans in the New Hampshire race. Mr. Brown, who also served as U.S. ambassador to New Zealand and Samoa, thanked Ms. Shaheen for her service.
“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,” he said on X.
Then there’s former New Hampshire Gov. Chris Sununu, who recently told The Washington Times he ruled “out completely” a bid against Ms. Shaheen.
A recent New Hampshire Journal survey found prior to the longtime senator’s retirement that Mr. Sununu offered the GOP the best chance of beating Ms. Shaheen in a general election.
Mr. Sununu led Ms. Shaheen 54.4% to 45.6% among registered voters. She was ahead 55.1% to 44.9% versus Mr. Brown.
