Democratic Senator Jeanne Shaheen Announces She Will Not Seek Re-Election in 2026

Jeanne Shaheen, the three-term Democratic Senator from New Hampshire and a trailblazer in American politics, announced on Wednesday that she will not seek re-election in 2026. Shaheen, who also served as New Hampshire’s governor, has been a key figure in New England politics and the first woman in U.S. history to win election as both governor and senator.

In a statement, Shaheen said, "I ran for public office to make a difference for the people of New Hampshire. That purpose has never and will never change. But today, after careful consideration, I am announcing that I have made the difficult decision not to seek re-election to the Senate in 2026." The 78-year-old senator added, "It's just time." However, she emphasized that she’s not fully retiring, vowing to continue working for New Hampshire and the nation over the next two years and beyond.

Shaheen’s decision adds a new layer of complexity to the Democrats' efforts to regain control of the Senate in the upcoming elections. The race to replace her is expected to be fiercely contested, as national Republicans see an opportunity to flip the seat in a state that has leaned Democratic in recent Senate races. Notably, New Hampshire has not voted a Republican into the Senate in over a decade.

Despite her announcement, Shaheen had recently shown signs of gearing up for another campaign, including scheduling a major fundraiser for March in Manchester. However, her relatively low fundraising numbers in late 2024 had sparked speculation that she might step aside. For Democrats, the attention now shifts to potential candidates like Rep. Chris Pappas, who praised Shaheen’s legacy as a "trailblazer" in a social media post.

Republicans, meanwhile, are already gearing up for the battle. Sen. Tim Scott, chair of the National Republican Senatorial Committee, expressed optimism about the party’s chances, stating, "New Hampshire has a proud tradition of electing common-sense Republicans—and will do so again in 2026." Former Sen. Scott Brown, who narrowly lost to Shaheen in 2014, is reportedly considering another run and has been actively meeting with GOP leaders.

Shaheen’s career spans decades of public service. Before holding elected office, she worked on Jimmy Carter’s presidential campaign and later managed Gary Hart’s surprising New Hampshire primary win in 1984. Her tenure as governor and senator helped transform New Hampshire from a solidly red state to a battleground, making her a pivotal figure in the region’s political evolution.

As the race to fill her seat begins to take shape, one thing is clear: Shaheen leaves behind a significant legacy, not just for New Hampshire but for women in American politics. Her departure marks the end of a remarkable chapter, but the next one promises to be equally consequential in shaping the state’s—and the nation’s—political future.