Sen. Jeanne Shaheen Announces She Will Not Seek Reelection in 2026

The decision by the longtime New Hampshire senator creates a competitive race in a key battleground state as Democrats face a challenging Senate map.

Jeanne Shaheen, a three-term Democratic senator from New Hampshire and the first woman to serve as both governor and senator in U.S. history, announced she will not run for reelection in 2026.
Shaheen cited her desire for a 'new generation of leadership' and expressed her commitment to continue working for New Hampshire and the country during her remaining time in office.
Her decision marks the third Democratic Senate retirement this cycle, following announcements by Michigan's Gary Peters and Minnesota's Tina Smith, further complicating Democrats' efforts to regain the Senate majority.
Potential Republican contenders for the seat include former New Hampshire Governor Chris Sununu and former Massachusetts Senator Scott Brown, both of whom have expressed interest in running.
New Hampshire's political landscape has been increasingly competitive, with recent elections reflecting a mix of Democratic and Republican victories, making the 2026 race a key focus for both parties.