Trump Endorses John Sununu in New Hampshire Senate Race, Boosting GOP Bid to Flip Seat

By Blessing Nweke

President Donald Trump on Sunday endorsed Republican John Sununu in the New Hampshire Senate race, throwing his support behind the former congressman as the GOP seeks to flip a seat currently held by Sen. Jeanne Shaheen, a Democrat who is retiring at the end of her term.

In a post on Truth Social, Trump praised Sununu as an “America First Patriot” and said he had his “Complete and Total Endorsement.” Trump added that Sununu is “strongly supported by the most Highly Respected Leaders in New Hampshire” and many Republicans in the U.S. Senate, saying he would “work tirelessly to advance our America First Agenda” if elected.

The endorsement places Trump squarely behind Sununu over other Republican contenders, including Scott Brown, a former Massachusetts senator who later served as Trump’s ambassador to New Zealand and Samoa. Brown responded on X after the endorsement by pledging to continue his campaign, writing that the people of New Hampshire “are the ultimate authority on our future” and “deserve a choice.” He said he is running to ensure the America First agenda is led by someone committed to service, not a political career.

Sununu previously served in Congress as both a representative and a senator but lost his 2008 re-election bid to Shaheen. His relationship with Trump has been complicated. In a 2024 op-ed in the New Hampshire Union Leader, Sununu criticized Trump, calling him a “loser” while backing Nikki Haley in the Republican presidential primary. Sununu’s campaign did not immediately respond to a request for comment on Trump’s endorsement.

Democrats have warned that the race could be more competitive than expected. Rep. Chris Pappas, D-N.H., the Democratic candidate, reacted quickly on X by reposting Trump’s endorsement message with the caption, “I’m Chris Pappas, and I approve this message.”

Republican National Committee spokesperson Kristen Cianci said the endorsement highlights the importance of the contest. “New Hampshire’s Senate seat is one to watch this cycle,” she said, adding that Republicans are “fully prepared to show up in November.”