Sen. Jeanne Shaheen, Democrat of New Hampshire, introduced on Wednesday that she won’t search a fourth time period in workplace, giving Democrats one other alternative to usher in new blood throughout a midterm that must be favorable to them.
“Today, after careful consideration, I’m announcing that I have made the difficult decision not to seek reelection to the Senate in 2026. It’s just time,” Shaheen stated in a video on X.
Shaheen, 78, has served within the Senate since 2009 and was the primary lady in U.S. historical past to be elected each governor and senator. She’s additionally the highest Democrat on the Senate International Relations Committee.
“While I am not seeking reelection, believe me, I am not retiring. I am determined to work every day over the next two years and beyond to continue to try to make a difference for the people of New Hampshire and this country,” she stated.
Instances have definitely modified since Shaheen was first elected to Congress.
In an interview with The New York Instances, Shaheen stated that the “current environment” made it more durable for her to step away from her function. She singled out a few of President Donald Trump’s extra egregious actions since starting his second time period, together with his pettiness towards political foes, hostile conduct towards Ukraine, and seemingly endless cuts to federal packages.
Shaheen’s choice to go away the Senate will certainly create a scramble to exchange her. Rep. Chris Pappas of New Hampshire is already angling to take her seat, with a supply aware of his considering telling Axios that he’s “definitely considering” a run.
In accordance with The Washington Put up, Rep. Maggie Goodlander, who New Hampshire simply elected to the chamber in 2024, may additionally run for Shaheen’s seat.
However Republicans are additionally eyeing the seat.
Sen. Tim Scott of South Carolina wrote on X that information of Shaheen’s “retirement” (a jab at Shaheen, who has clarified that she shouldn’t be retiring) was “welcome news.”
“New Hampshire has a proud tradition of electing common-sense Republicans. And [it] will do so again in 2026!” he stated.
Equally, Scott Brown, the one-term senator of Massachusetts who moved to New Hampshire, additionally expressed a need to throw his hat within the ring.
“It’s time for New Hampshire to have someone in the delegation who fights for our priorities and stands with, not against, the Trump agenda,” he wrote on X.
Democrats will now be defending three open Senate seats, with Sens. Gary Peters of Michigan and Tina Smith of Minnesota asserting that they may even not be looking for reelection subsequent yr.
Whereas this makes the social gathering’s path to reclaiming the bulk even more durable—as Democrats have fewer pickup alternatives than Republicans—all three open seats must be considerably simple for Democrats to carry.
In February, the nonpartisan election prognosticator Prepare dinner Political Report rated the Minnesota and New Hampshire seats as “Likely Democratic,” although the Michigan seat is ranked as a “Toss-up,” that means both social gathering may seize it.
In New Hampshire particularly, Democrats have the benefit of succeeding Shaheen, who comfortably gained her election in 2020 by practically 16 share factors, regardless of Trump coming inside 3 factors of profitable the state in 2024.
The final time the state voted for a Republican presidential candidate was in 2000 for George W. Bush. And voters haven’t elected a Republican senator from New Hampshire since Kelly Ayotte, who misplaced her reelection bid in 2016 and now serves because the state’s governor.
Shaheen’s exit may usher in a new era of Democratic management, which the outgoing senator stated she’s angling for. She additionally inspired Democrats to “promote specific policies” that will enhance folks’s day by day lives, particularly in schooling and well being care.
“It’s important for New Hampshire and the country to have a new generation of leadership,” she stated.
