A former New Hampshire senator and member of a prominent political family is reportedly considering a return to the Senate race in 2026, according to sources familiar with the situation. John E. Sununu, who served in the U.S. House of Representatives from 1997 to 2003 and in the Senate from 2003 to 2009, has not yet officially announced his candidacy but is expected to launch a campaign soon.

Sununu, the older brother of former New Hampshire Governor Chris Sununu, was once the youngest member of the U.S. Senate. He lost his re-election bid in 2008 to Democratic Governor Jeanne Shaheen, who recently announced she would not seek another term in 2026. The Republican has been in communication with the White House and is set to meet with former President Donald Trump, though his relationship with Trump remains complicated.

Sununu previously opposed Trump, serving as a national co-chair for John Kasich’s 2016 presidential campaign and supporting Nikki Haley in 2024. He also criticized Trump in an op-ed ahead of the 2023 GOP primary, calling him a “loser,” despite Trump winning that race by 11 points. Despite this history, Trump’s endorsement could prove pivotal for Sununu’s bid, as the Republican Party seeks to capitalize on his political legacy and family name.

Senate Republicans have been actively recruiting Sununu since it became clear his brother, Chris Sununu, would not run. Majority Leader John Thune has personally reached out to gauge his interest, with sources indicating that Sununu is weighing a candidacy. A memo circulated among Senate GOP leaders suggests that if Sununu secures the nomination, the race for Shaheen’s seat would shift from “competitive” to a “top pickup opportunity.”

The potential contest also involves former Massachusetts Senator Scott Brown, who entered the Republican primary earlier this year. Sununu’s entry could reshape the dynamics of the race, as Republicans aim to challenge Democratic hold on the Senate seat in New Hampshire, a state they view as a key battleground.