Democratic Sen. Jeanne Shaheen of New Hampshire suddenly announced Wednesday she was retiring from her career in politics — a major blow to the Democrats already-slim chances of regaining the majority.
Shaheen announced she will not seek reelection in 2026, becoming the third Senate Democrat to retire ahead of a challenging midterm election.
“Today, after careful consideration, I am announcing that I have made the difficult decision not to seek re-election to the Senate in 2026,” Shaheen, 78, said in a video statement. “It’s just time.”
Shaheen, who turned 78 in January, was the first woman in American politics to win election as both a governor and U.S. senator.
“While I am not seeking re-election, believe me I am not retiring,” Shaheen emphasized. “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.”
Shaheen’s departure follows similar announcements from Democratic Sens. Gary Peters of Michigan and Tina Smith of Minnesota, creating three open seats in vital swing states that Republicans hope to flip.
Republicans currently hold a 53-47 advantage in the Senate after flipping four Democrat-held seats in the landslide 2024 elections.
The retirement decision came after months of speculation, fueled in part by Shaheen’s modest fundraising. She raised just $170,000 in the final quarter of 2024, though sources in her political orbit noted the senator did not emphasize fundraising during the presidential election period. A major fundraiser had been scheduled for March 20 in Manchester but will be cancelled.
Liberal leaders vowed to hold onto Shaheen’s seat.
“No Republican has won a Senate race in over a decade in New Hampshire, and that trend will continue in 2026,” Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee spokesperson David Bergstein said in a statement. “This is exactly the kind of state where the building midterm backlash against Republicans will hit their candidates especially hard.”
Republicans, however, view Shaheen’s retirement as a significant opportunity to flip another seat in a purple state.
Sen. Tim Scott, chair of the National Republican Senatorial Committee, celebrated the news: “Another one! Shaheen’s retirement is welcome news for Granite Staters eager for new leadership. New Hampshire has a proud tradition of electing common-sense Republicans – and will do so again in 2026!”
The NRSC had already been running ads targeting Shaheen over her defense of USAID bloat and waste that the Trump administration is cutting.
Former Massachusetts Sen. Scott Brown, who narrowly lost to Shaheen in 2014 and later served as U.S. ambassador to New Zealand during Trump’s first administration, is seriously considering a run. Brown has been meeting with Republicans across New Hampshire and with GOP officials in Washington.
“I appreciate @jeanneshaheen’s service to our state and for her support and vote for me as NH’s Ambassador to NZ and Samoa,” Brown wrote on social media. “Now 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.”
On the Democratic side, four-term Rep. Chris Pappas is seriously considering a Senate run. Former Democratic Rep. Ann Kuster told Fox News she would “take a serious look” at running if Pappas decides against it. Freshman Rep. Maggie Goodlander is also considering a bid.
Beyond New Hampshire, Republicans are targeting Georgia, where first-term Democratic Sen. Jon Ossoff is seen as vulnerable. Term-limited Republican Gov. Brian Kemp could potentially challenge Ossoff.