Sen. Jeanne Shaheen Won’t Seek Reelection in 2026

Senator Jeanne Shaheen of New Hampshire to Retire, Marking a Historic End to Her Political Career

Senator Jeanne Shaheen, a prominent Democratic figure from New Hampshire, has announced that she will not be seeking re-election in 2026, signaling the conclusion of a long and impactful political career. Her decision adds another layer of complexity to the Democratic Party’s challenge in regaining control of the Senate as they navigate an increasingly competitive political landscape.

Having served in various elected roles for 30 years and dedicating half a century to politics, Shaheen’s announcement is poised to trigger a high-stakes race in New Hampshire, a state known for its unpredictable voting patterns. In the last election cycle, despite supporting former Vice President Kamala Harris for president and electing a predominantly Democratic congressional delegation, New Hampshire voters also opted for a Republican governor and bolstered Republican majorities within the state legislature.

In an interview with The New York Times, Shaheen, aged 78, reflected on her decision, stating that it was not easy and was complicated further by the current political climate, particularly criticizing former President Donald Trump’s focus on revenge politics, significant budget cuts, and his contentious stance on Ukraine amidst its battle with Russia. Shaheen, who holds the position of the top Democrat on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, has been a trailblazer in New Hampshire politics, being the first woman to hold the office of governor in the state and the first in the nation to serve both as a governor and a U.S. senator.

“It’s important for New Hampshire and the country to have a new generation of leadership,” Shaheen stated, highlighting the necessity for fresh perspectives in political leadership.

The upcoming vacancy in the Senate seat attracts various potential Republican candidates. Notably, former Senator Scott Brown, who previously represented Massachusetts and narrowly lost to Shaheen in 2014, is contemplating a run after relocating to New Hampshire. Notably, the state’s well-regarded former governor, Chris Sununu, has publicly ruled out a candidacy.

With Republicans currently holding a 53-47 majority in the Senate, Shaheen’s retirement adds to the challenges faced by the Democrats, who are already contending with the retirements of Senators Gary Peters from Michigan and Tina Smith from Minnesota. This trend complicates the Democrats’ path to regaining a majority as they also confront the task of defending several open seats.

Even prior to Shaheen’s announcement, Republican strategists were eyeing New Hampshire as a prime opportunity to flip the Senate seat in 2026. The National Republican Senatorial Committee has already launched advertisements critiquing Shaheen’s support for foreign aid programs, pointing to a strategic focus on her record.

Since first being elected to the Senate in 2008, following three terms as governor, Shaheen has been a pivotal figure in New Hampshire’s political landscape. She has played a significant role in revitalizing the state’s Democratic Party, which had once been dominated by Republicans. Her Senate election marked the first victory for a Democrat in New Hampshire since 1975, and her tenure as governor helped establish strategies that modernized the party, inspiring subsequent generations of moderate Democrats in the state.

Shaheen’s political career has not been without its controversies. She focused on contentious issues such as expanding access to public kindergarten, making New Hampshire the final state to recognize Martin Luther King Jr.’s birthday as a holiday, and advancing policies related to reproductive rights, including signing the repeal of a draconian 19th-century abortion law.

Throughout her time in the Senate, Shaheen has developed a reputation for patience and persistence. She successfully collaborated with both Democrats and Republicans on significant legislation, such as infrastructure initiatives and programs designed to support small businesses during the COVID-19 pandemic. Her bipartisan approach, honed through experience from a time when New Hampshire politics was predominantly one-party, has yielded productive results.

Shaheen has also championed issues related to reproductive rights and civil liberties, emphasizing the need for policies that resonate with the day-to-day lives of Americans. “People had hoped for improvements in areas such as education and health care but feel they haven’t received satisfactory results,” she remarked about her party’s current status.

Despite being regarded as a "low-drama leader" amidst today’s more assertive political climate, Shaheen’s straightforward yet effective style has secured her a place in the hearts of New Hampshire voters. In the Senate, her collaborative efforts with Republicans ensured tangible benefits for her constituents.

Looking ahead, Shaheen hopes to embrace a new phase in her life, one that may afford her more time to focus on various interests, free from the demanding schedule of public office. “It will be nice to have a little more time to engage in some other things,” she concluded, signaling her anticipation for the future. As the election landscape begins to shift in New Hampshire, all eyes will be on the ensuing competition for Shaheen’s now-open Senate seat, marking the dawn of a new political chapter in the state.