Democratic Senator Jeanne Shaheen of New Hampshire has announced that she will not be seeking reelection next year. This step marks the end of her notable political journey and presents a significant challenge for the Democrats, who are already facing difficulties in their quest to regain the Senate majority.
Shaheen, who reached 78 in January and is known for being the first woman in the U.S. to serve as both governor and senator, shared her decision through a social media video. She expressed that her choice to step down from seeking reelection in 2026 was a difficult one but ultimately concluded, “It’s just time.”
Historically, the party in control of the White House encounters a tough political environment in midterm elections. Such elections will determine the Congressional balance and impact President Donald Trump’s policy plans, as Republicans enter next year’s elections dealing with potential economic challenges and trade war apprehensions.
Prior to Shaheen’s announcement, the political dynamics were already favoring the Republicans in the Senate, where they hold 53 seats against Democrats’ 47, counting two independents who align with Democrats. Recently, retirements in key states like New Hampshire, Michigan, and Minnesota provide Republicans with opportunities. In Georgia, Democrat Sen. Jon Ossoff seems to be facing a challenging reelection bid.
On the Democratic side, the prospects of gaining new seats appear minimal, although Maine poses some hope with Republican Sen. Susan Collins running in a state that Trump previously lost. Republicans celebrated Shaheen’s retirement, seeing it as an opportunity for leadership change in New Hampshire. Senator Tim Scott of South Carolina, chairing the Senate Republican campaign efforts, expressed delight over Shaheen’s decision.
Throughout her political career, Shaheen has played a significant role in New Hampshire politics and worked up the Senate ladder, serving prominently on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. Despite her capability to secure another term, she has chosen not to contest further. Prospective candidates include Chris Pappas, a four-term congressman who could make history as the first openly gay man in the Senate.
Chris Sununu, the former governor who left office recently, is contemplating a Senate run, a move that could prove challenging for Democrats considering his popularity. Scott Brown, past Massachusetts senator and former New Zealand ambassador, had been eyeing a New Hampshire Senate seat even before Shaheen’s announcement. In similar sentiment, Democratic Rep. Maggie Goodlander praised Shaheen online and is also weighing a run for the Senate.
New Hampshire’s electorate has leaned Democratic in recent presidential votes, but it also has a tradition of electing leaders from both political parties. Notably, Republican Kelly Ayotte was elected governor last year, despite Trump’s loss in the state by a slim margin.
Facing tough challenges, Democrats in Washington have sought to maintain an optimistic outlook. Senator Richard Blumenthal of Connecticut recognized the demanding electoral map but mentioned factors working in their favor, emphasizing the current administration’s adverse economic effects.
By the next election, Senator Chris Murphy of Connecticut remarked that an open seat might not pose as much of a risk due to what could be a favorable year for Democrats, reflecting on the positive implication of retirements for transitioning political careers.
As Democrats anticipate some advantages, they will also need to allocate resources towards a state which might have been a straightforward victory had Shaheen pursued reelection. A trailblazer, Shaheen left her mark on New Hampshire politics upon becoming its first female governor in 1996 and later a U.S. Senator in 2008.
She expressed commitment to remain active in advocacy, saying, “There are urgent challenges ahead, both here at home and around the world. And while I’m not seeking reelection, believe me, I am not retiring. I am determined to work every day over the next two years and beyond.”
