New Hampshire
New Hampshire Sen. Jeanne Shaheen says she won’t run for re-election, ending long political career
Sen. Jeanne Shaheen said Wednesday she won’t run for re-election in 2026, bringing to an end a political career spanning a half century.
In a video announcement, Shaheen said it had been “an incredible honor” to serve as a state lawmaker, governor and senator. She said the decision to step aside was a difficult one, but “it’s just time.”
Shaheen, a 78-year-old Democrat, was first elected to the U.S. Senate in 2008, and is now in her third term. Prior to that, she served three terms as New Hampshire governor and as a state senator, after getting her start in Granite State politics on Jimmy Carter’s 1976 presidential primary campaign. She was the first woman in American history to be elected both governor and senator.
Her style of politics – moderate on fiscal matters but more liberal on social issues – set a model for a generation of fellow New Hampshire Democrats who followed her into the governor’s office and Congress.
Read more: In Shaheen, N.H. Democrats Have Their Leader, And A Blueprint For Campaigning
Shaheen’s announcement adds to the challenge facing national Democrats in their efforts to take control of the U.S. Senate in 2026.
In her video announcement, Shaheen said her decision did not amount to a full retirement.
”I am determined to work every day, over the next two years and beyond, to continue to try and make a difference for the people of New Hampshire and this country,” she said.
With Shaheen steeping aside, the race to succeed her is wide open.
No Democrats have yet announced interest in running for the seat. On the Republican side, former Massachusetts Sen. Scott Brown, who Shaheen defeated in 2014, is considering a run. And New Hampshire Gov. Chris Sununu said recently he is open to the idea of running for Senate, after previously saying he has no interest in serving in Congress.
This is a developing story and will be updated.
New Hampshire
Photo Exhibit | Art Talk | Crew Competition | Nashua Genealogy Club | More: Week Ahead Events
NASHUA, NH — Here is the week ahead roundup.
Get out, New Hampshire.
Event listings are free on one Patch site. You can share your calendar info on other community sites for a modest fee, starting at 25 cents per day. To get started, visit the Events link on the front page of all Patch sites. Statewide calendar roundups are published on most Sundays and Wednesdays. Visit any of the 223 New Hampshire Patch Event sites (patch.com/map/new-hampshire) for updated listings.
Join us for a community conversation exploring how land conservation supports thriving communities, healthy ecosystems, and local economies. Recent research from Maine highlights the growing economic value of conserved lands — from supporting recreation, forestry, agriculture, and tourism to protecting clean water, storing carbon, and strengthening climate resilience. The findings reveal something important: protecting natural landscapes is not only good for the environment, but also for the people and communities that depend on them.
Together, we’ll explore what this research means both regionally and here at home. How do conserved lands shape our quality of life, local economy, and sense of place? How can communities balance growth, conservation, and long-term sustainability? And what role can each of us play in protecting the landscapes that support both nature and people?
At each “Let’s Talk Nature” gathering, we share a short article in advance and come together for an informal, welcoming discussion. Each session stands on its own, and everyone is welcome. No expertise needed. Bring your curiosity and a willingness to listen and share. Drinks and cookies provided.
Read this session’s article: Conserved Land in Maine has Growing Economic Power
Grey Rocks Conservation Center
10:30 AM – 11:30 AM on Wed, 1 Jul 2026
Event Supported By
Newfound Lake Region Association
603-744-8689
info@NewfoundLake.org
High winds and widespread rain contributed to more than 12,000 power outages Saturday as a low pressure system passes over New Hampshire.
A high wind advisory remains in effect for southeastern New Hampshire until midday.
There is a high surf advisory in effect for the Seacoast area until 8 p.m. Saturday, with large-breaking waves in the range of 6-9 feet, according to the National Weather Service.
The forecast warns of dangerous wintry winds for hikers and campers, with heavy wet snow likely at higher elevations and a foot of snow possible on summits in the White Mountains.
In southeastern New Hampshire, the wind advisory calls for steady winds of 15-25 mph, and potential wind gusts up to 50 mph.
Eversource reported over 10,000 outages as of 9:30 a.m. Unitil had about 1,400 outages at that time.
The Mount Washington Observatory has recorded winterlike weather over the past 24 hours. Weather observers there say over half a foot of snow and sleet has fallen at the summit.
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