Rep. Chris Pappas considers New Hampshire Senate run after Shaheen retirement

Democratic Rep. Chris Pappas is considering a run for the U.S. Senate seat being vacated by Sen. Jeanne Shaheen, who announced her retirement for 2026. Pappas, currently in his fourth term representing New Hampshire’s First Congressional District, is seen as a strong candidate due to his experience and the state's recent Democratic trends in federal elections. Other potential candidates for the Republican nomination include former Sen. Scott Brown and former Gov. Chris Sununu, with Sununu's ties to Trump possibly complicating his candidacy in the midterm climate. Political analysts suggest Pappas could maintain the seat for Democrats, while New Hampshire is expected to be a crucial battleground for party control in the Senate. Ann M. Kuster, a former Congresswoman, has also expressed interest in the seat, contingent on whether Pappas decides to run. Shaheen, who was the first woman to serve as both governor and senator in the U.S., emphasized her lasting commitment to public service despite stepping down from her current role.