Trump Endorses John E. Sununu in New Hampshire Senate Primary
Trump posted on Truth Social endorsing John E. Sununu as an "America First Patriot" in the New Hampshire Republican Senate primary.
Overview
President Donald Trump posted on Truth Social endorsing former U.S. Sen. John E. Sununu as an "America First Patriot" in the Republican primary for New Hampshire's U.S. Senate seat.
The endorsement drew backing from National Republican Senatorial Committee leaders and the Senate Leadership Fund, with SLF Executive Director Alex Latcham saying Trump's support 'put an end to the primary,' officials said.
Former U.S. Ambassador Scott Brown said on X that he will continue his primary campaign despite Trump's endorsement, writing that New Hampshire voters 'deserve a choice,' according to his post.
The primary winner will face Rep. Chris Pappas (D-NH) in November to fill the seat vacated by Sen. Jeanne Shaheen, a contest the Republican National Committee described as a priority, RNC spokeswoman Kristen Cianci said.
Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee spokeswoman Maddy McDaniel said John E. Sununu's record is 'out of touch with New Hampshire voters' and predicted Democrats will win the seat, signaling a contested general election, DSCC officials said.
Analysis
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FAQ
John E. Sununu is a former U.S. Senator from New Hampshire (2003-2009) and U.S. Representative (1997-2003). He defeated Jeanne Shaheen in 2002 but lost to her in 2008, and is now running to reclaim the seat as a moderate Republican emphasizing civility and fiscal discipline.
Trump endorsed Sununu as an 'America First Patriot' on Truth Social, noting his support from GOP Senate campaign arms, most Republican senators, and New Hampshire Republican leaders, despite Sununu's past criticism of Trump including calling him a 'loser' and backing rivals like Kasich and Haley.[1]
Former U.S. Ambassador Scott Brown stated on X that he will continue his primary campaign, saying New Hampshire voters 'deserve a choice,' despite the endorsement.[1]
A mid-January 2026 University of New Hampshire poll showed Sununu leading Brown 48% to 25% in the GOP primary. In general election matchups, Democrat Chris Pappas leads Sununu by 5 points and Brown by 10 points.
U.S. Rep. Chris Pappas (D-NH) is the Democratic favorite. The primary winner will face Pappas in November 2026 for the open seat vacated by retiring Sen. Jeanne Shaheen; Republicans see it as a priority while Democrats call Sununu out of touch.