(FreePressBeacon.com) – Being the first woman in American history to serve as both governor of a state and U.S. senator, Democrat Senator Jeanne Shaheen announced she is retiring from the 2026 Senate elections.
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The 78-year-old’s departure opens a path for the GOP to expand their Senate majority in a state where they recently captured the governorship.
Republicans have not won a Senate race in the Granite State in 15 years, but Shaheen’s exit dramatically changes the political landscape.
Shaheen, who has represented New Hampshire in the Senate since 2009, made her announcement after what she described as “careful consideration.”
The three-term senator made history as the first woman in America to serve as both a governor and U.S. senator, cementing her legacy in the state’s political history.
“Today, after careful consideration, I’m announcing that I have made the difficult decision not to seek reelection to the Senate in 2026,” Shaheen stated.
Her retirement adds to growing Democrat challenges as they attempt to regain control of the Senate.
Republicans currently hold a 53-47 majority, meaning Democrats would need to flip four seats to win back power.
Shaheen is the third Senate Democrat to announce retirement ahead of the 2026 midterms, significantly narrowing the party’s path to a majority.
Meanwhile, GOP members are already eyeing the New Hampshire race as a key pickup opportunity.
Former Senator Scott Brown (R-MA), who previously represented Massachusetts in the Senate before losing to Shaheen in 2014, is reportedly considering another run.
Brown’s potential candidacy would bring star power and fundraising ability to a race that will likely attract national attention and resources.
The Republican momentum in New Hampshire has been building steadily. In 2024, Republican Kelly Ayotte won the governorship, succeeding popular GOP Governor Chris Sununu.
This victory demonstrates that despite the state’s current all-Democrat congressional delegation, New Hampshire voters are increasingly willing to support Republican candidates who champion conservative values.
While Shaheen claims she is not retiring from public service, her departure represents a significant shift in the state’s political dynamics.
In her announcement, she insisted, “Believe me, I am not retiring,” pledging to remain active in her duties over the next two years.
Today, after careful consideration, I'm announcing that I have made the difficult decision not to seek reelection to the Senate in 2026.
There are urgent challenges ahead, both here at home and around the world. And while I'm not seeking re-election – believe me – I am not… pic.twitter.com/h0urg7ZZx6
— Sen. Jeanne Shaheen (@SenatorShaheen) March 12, 2025
The Granite State race adds to Republicans’ expanding map of potential Senate pickups in 2026.
The GOP is also targeting vulnerable Democrats in Michigan and Georgia, seeking to build on their current majority.
At the same time, Democrats will be forced to defend open seats while simultaneously targeting Republican-held seats in states like Maine and North Carolina.
For conservative voters in New Hampshire and across America, Shaheen’s retirement represents an opportunity to replace a reliable progressive vote with a senator who will fight for traditional values, border security, and fiscal responsibility.
The 2026 Senate elections are shaping up to be a potential watershed moment for Republicans, allowing them to expand their influence and advance the America First agenda for years to come.
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