NEW: Ex-GOP Senator Eyes Comeback Bid

John E. Sununu, the brother of popular former New Hampshire Governor Chris Sununu, is reportedly eyeing a run for U.S. Senate.

If he does decide to announce a bid, Sununu will be running to win his old seat back. He previously served as Senator for the Granite State from 2003 through 2009, when he was replaced by Democrat Jeanne Shaheen.

Sununu would be running to get his old seat back, as Shaheen announced earlier this year that she will not be running for re-election in 2026.

According to a report from NOTUS, New Hampshire Republicans have been attempting to recruit John after his brother declined to run. Polls found the former governor leading against a generic Democrat, though he ultimately cited his desire to spend more time with family in declining a bid.

John E. Sununu’s official U.S. Senate portrait

“This would be a huge win for national Republicans who view Sununu as one of their last chances to make the New Hampshire race competitive this election cycle against the likely Democratic candidate, Rep. Chris Pappas,” the outlet reported. Scott Brown, who once won a shocking special election to become the junior senator from Massachusetts in 2009, is also running on the Republican side.

Sununu comes from a dynastic political family in the Granite State. His father, John Sr., also served as governor, as well as White House Chief of Staff under President George H.W. Bush.

He was first elected to the upper chamber in 2002, when he defeated Shaheen, who then defeated him to win her seat back in 2008. Republicans are confident that his name recognition in the state can make the race about as competitive as it could have been had his brother decided to run.

Sununu has discussed a bid with Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-SD), as well as former Senator Cory Gardner, who recently announced that he would be stepping down from his executive role with the Senate Leadership Fund, a GOP Senate super PAC.

One source familiar with the situation told Politico that Sununu is viewed as a “strong” candidate among state Republicans.

While largely a blue state at the national level, New Hampshire has long been viewed as purple both in presidential and statewide elections. The state currently has a Republican Governor in Kelly Ayotte, while both U.S. Senate seats are help by Democrats.

President Donald Trump had offered Chris Sununu his support had he decided to run. It is unclear whether he will do the same for John, though party insiders believe it is a likely possibility.