Democrat Jeanne Shaheen of New Hampshire has announced she will not seek reelection to the United States Senate next year, concluding a historic political career that includes being the first woman elected as both a governor and U.S. senator in the United States. Shaheen, who turned 78 in January, has been a significant figure in New Hampshire politics for decades, serving three terms as governor before her election to the Senate in 2008.
Her decision not to run presents a considerable challenge for Democrats aiming to regain control of the Senate, where Republicans currently hold a 53-47 majority. Shaheen’s departure opens up the field for potential candidates, including former Massachusetts Senator Scott Brown, who is considering a run for the New Hampshire seat after serving as ambassador to New Zealand in the first Trump administration.
As The Hill reports:
Shaheen announced what she described as a “difficult” decision in an interview with The New York Times.
“It was a difficult decision, made more difficult by the current environment in the country — by President Trump and what he’s doing right now,” Shaheen, who is 78, told The Times.
Shaheen is the third Senate Democrat to announce their retirement this year.
Sens. Gary Peters (D-Mich.) and Tina Smith (D-Minn.) have also said they don’t plan to run for reelection in 2026.
New Hampshire has a history of electing leaders from both parties. The state recently elected Republican Governor Kelly Ayotte, even as President Trump narrowly lost the state by less than three percentage points.
Shaheen’s retirement adds to the challenging political landscape for Democrats in the upcoming midterm elections, as they strive to navigate a difficult Senate map and reclaim the majority.
This is a breaking news story. Please check back for updates.
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