In a dramatic reversal that could reshape the political landscape, President Trump is urging former New Hampshire Governor Chris Sununu—once a vocal critic—to run for a crucial Senate seat that could flip to Republican control in 2026.
At a Glance
- Trump met with former critic Chris Sununu in the Oval Office to encourage a Senate run
- Democratic Sen. Jeanne Shaheen’s retirement creates a competitive open seat in New Hampshire
- Sununu, who previously backed Nikki Haley, has now received Trump’s full endorsement
- Democratic Rep. Chris Pappas has already announced his candidacy for the seat
- Sununu is seriously reconsidering a Senate run after previously ruling it out
From Trump Critic to Trump-Backed: The Sununu Saga
Politics makes strange bedfellows, as the saying goes, and nowhere is this more evident than in the unfolding drama between former President Donald Trump and former New Hampshire Governor Chris Sununu. After years of Sununu criticizing Trump—especially following January 6th—the two have apparently buried the hatchet. Trump invited Sununu to the Oval Office for a personal meeting to encourage him to run for the Senate seat being vacated by retiring Democratic Senator Jeanne Shaheen in 2026, a seat that could be crucial for Republican control of the upper chamber.
Remember when Trump called Sununu a “nasty guy” at New Hampshire rallies? Apparently that’s all water under the bridge now that Trump needs every winnable Senate seat he can get. The political marriage of convenience shows just how pragmatic Trump can be when it serves his broader agenda. And frankly, with the Senate hanging in the balance, having a strong candidate like Sununu—despite past differences—is exactly the kind of strategic thinking we need from Republican leadership.
The Political Calculus in the Granite State
“He came to my office, came to the Oval Office, and met with Chris Sununu, and I support him fully. I hope he runs. He’s been very nice to me over the last year or so, but no, I hope he runs. I think he’ll win that seat,” Trump stated, giving his unequivocal support to the former governor. This endorsement comes despite Sununu initially backing Nikki Haley in the 2024 primary before eventually supporting Trump after he secured the nomination—a perfect example of the “party unity first” approach that’s been noticeably absent from Democratic circles.
The timing couldn’t be better for Republicans. With Shaheen’s retirement, New Hampshire represents one of the GOP’s best pickup opportunities in 2026. While Harris narrowly carried the state in 2024, New Hampshire has always maintained an independent streak. Democrats have already lined up Congressman Chris Pappas for the race, but Sununu’s strong statewide popularity and proven electoral success make him perhaps the only Republican who could flip this seat blue to red—and he knows it. “I would win, by the way,” Sununu confidently stated about a potential Senate run.
From “No Way” to “Maybe”: Sununu’s Senate Reconsideration
What makes this story particularly fascinating is Sununu’s previous vocal opposition to serving in the Senate. In 2022, he declined to challenge Democratic Senator Maggie Hassan, stating he had no interest in going to Washington to just be an obstructionist. Now, the “door is not closed” according to Sununu himself, who added that “some folks in New Hampshire especially, and some of our mutual friends in Washington, D.C., have asked me to at least keep the door open and reconsider, and I am.”
What changed? For one, Trump’s plans for the Department of Government Efficiency seems to have caught Sununu’s attention. As a self-described budget hawk, Sununu sees the Senate’s focus shifting toward fiscal responsibility under Trump’s leadership—something he could actually get behind. This is exactly the kind of government downsizing conservatives have been calling for, and it’s refreshing to see potential converts to the cause, even if they were previously reluctant to join the Trump train.
The Stakes Couldn’t Be Higher
This potential Senate run represents more than just another race—it’s a testament to how the Republican Party is unifying behind Trump’s leadership heading into the critical 2026 midterms. Sununu is taking a few weeks to make his decision, while other potential candidates like former Senator Scott Brown also consider jumping into the race. But make no mistake: Sununu is the prize recruit here, and Trump knows it. After years of the mainstream media hyping up “Republican divisions,” the party seems to be coalescing around strong candidates with winning records.
The Democrats’ bench is thin in New Hampshire, with Pappas already declared but lacking Sununu’s statewide appeal. If Sununu decides to run, this race immediately becomes one of the most watched in the country—and potentially the seat that delivers Republican control of the Senate. Funny how quickly “never Trumpers” can come around when the political winds shift, isn’t it? But at this point, we’ll take the converts wherever we can find them—especially when they can help deliver crucial Senate victories.
