News: The NRSC is doubling down on its vow to seriously compete for the open New Hampshire Senate seat, telling donors in a memo that Republicans enjoy “a favorable political environment” in the state ahead of 2026.
Republicans feel emboldened to compete in the Senate race following longtime Sen. Jeanne Shaheen’s (D-N.H.) decision to retire instead of seeking reelection next fall.
The Senate GOP campaign arm commissioned a survey of 600 likely New Hampshire voters last month that found Republicans leading the generic ballot by one point. New Hampshire voted for Kamala Harris by three points in 2024, and the state hasn’t elected a GOP senator since 2010.
The NRSC survey also showed that 31% of independent voters identified “inflation, jobs, and cost of living” as their primary concern. These are issues the GOP hopes will drive voters toward the party.
On the Republican side, former Massachusetts Sen. Scott Brown is seen as a likely contender for the Senate seat. Former New Hampshire GOP Gov. Chris Sununu has also flirted with a run, but has also trashed serving in the Senate in the past.
Rep. Chris Pappas (D-N.H.) is likely to enter the race soon and is holding an event Thursday in Manchester. Freshman Rep. Maggie Goodlander (D-N.H.) is also mulling a run.
Fundraising news: The Congressional Hispanic Caucus BOLD PAC raised $3.8 million in Q1. This tally is the group’s largest ever in the first quarter of an off year.
