Senate Democrat Jeanne Shaheen Says She Won’t Seek Reelection

Another key Senate Democrat is bowing out, opening the door for Republicans to strengthen their hold on Congress under President Trump. New Hampshire’s Jeanne Shaheen won’t seek reelection in 2026, forcing the party to find new talent and run a campaign on something more than just incumbency.

At a glance:

• Sen. Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.) announced she will not seek reelection in 2026, ending her 30-year political career

• Republicans currently hold a 53-47 Senate majority and now have pickup opportunities in New Hampshire, Michigan, and Minnesota due to Democrat retirements

• New Hampshire voted Republican in recent gubernatorial races, signaling potential GOP Senate pickup

• Former Massachusetts GOP Sen. Scott Brown and former Gov. Chris Sununu are potential Republican candidates for Shaheen’s seat

• Shaheen cited President Trump and the current political environment as factors in her decision

Democrats’ Senate Majority Hopes Crumble

Sen. Jeanne Shaheen announced Wednesday she won’t pursue another term in the Senate, dealing a significant blow to Democrats already struggling to map a path back to the majority. Her retirement follows similar announcements from Democratic Sens. Gary Peters of Michigan and Tina Smith of Minnesota, creating a trifecta of vulnerable open seats in states where Republicans have shown increasing strength.

The 77-year-old Shaheen released a short video explaining her decision to step down after what will be 18 years in the Senate. Republicans, who currently hold a comfortable 53-47 Senate majority, immediately celebrated the news as an opportunity to extend their advantage.

New Hampshire No Longer Safe Territory for Democrats

New Hampshire has become increasingly competitive territory in recent years, with Republican Kelly Ayotte winning the Governorship in 2024 after GOP Gov. Chris Sununu stepped down. The state’s voters have shown increasing willingness to split their tickets, supporting Republicans at the state level while sometimes backing Democrats in federal races.

In her announcement, Shaheen made clear her retirement wasn’t due to fear of defeat but rather a sense that “it’s just time.” The long-serving Democrat, who was the first woman elected as both Governor and senator from New Hampshire, insisted she would remain active for her remaining two years in office.

“Today, after careful consideration, I am announcing that I have made the difficult decision not to seek reelection to the Senate in 2026,” Shaheen said in her video message. “Believe me, I am not retiring. I am determined to work every day over the next two years and beyond to continue to try to make a difference for the people of New Hampshire and this country.”

But perhaps another major part of her decision was the fact that Trump is doing so well, and with Republicans surging in support, she could find herself forced to retire anyway.

Republican Victory Prospects Brighten

Several prominent Republicans are already being mentioned as potential candidates for Shaheen’s seat. Former Massachusetts GOP Sen. Scott Brown, who narrowly lost to Shaheen in 2014 after relocating to New Hampshire, told reporters he is “thinking about” another run.

Former Gov. Chris Sununu, who remains popular in the state, is also considered a potential candidate. South Carolina Senator Tim Scott celebrated the news on social media, writing: “Another one! 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!”

The timing of Shaheen’s announcement follows a reported request from Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer for Democrats up for reelection to inform him early about their plans. With limited pickup opportunities elsewhere, Democrats now face the prospect of defending open seats in three states while protecting vulnerable incumbents like Sen. Jon Ossoff in Georgia.

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