Sen. Jeanne Shaheen (D., N.H.) announced that she will not seek reelection in 2026, becoming the third Democrat to retire this year and further diminishing Democrats’ chances to retake the Senate.
“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, 78, told the New York Times in an interview, noting that “it’s important for New Hampshire and the country to have a new generation of leadership.”
Shaheen was first elected in 2008 after serving three terms as New Hampshire’s governor.
Democrats now face an uphill battle to regain control of the Senate, needing to defend 3 open seats and achieve a net gain of 4 to overturn the 53-47 Republican majority. Democratic senators Tina Smith (Minn.) and Gary Peters (Mich.) dropped their reelection bids over the last few months.
Shaheen’s exit in particular will alarm Democrats. New Hampshire, a battleground state, elected a Republican governor and expanded GOP majorities in the state legislature last year. Even before Shaheen’s announcement, Republicans saw New Hampshire as a prime pickup opportunity in 2026, with former senator Scott Brown weighing a run.
Sen. Tim Scott (R., S.C.), the chairman of the National Republican Senatorial Committee, in a statement welcomed Shaheen’s retirement.
“Another one! Shaheen’s retirement is welcome news for Granite Staters eager for new leadership,” Scott said. “New Hampshire has a proud tradition of electing common-sense Republicans—and will do so again in 2026!”
