Former Trump critic Chris Sununu suddenly emerges as MAGA’s best hope to flip a critical Senate seat in New Hampshire, proving once again that politics makes for the strangest of bedfellows.

At a Glance

• Trump met with former New Hampshire Gov. Chris Sununu and expressed “full support” for his potential Senate run\
• Sununu, once a vocal Trump critic who endorsed Nikki Haley, is now considering running for retiring Democratic Sen. Jeanne Shaheen’s seat
• Democratic Rep. Chris Pappas has already announced his candidacy for the seat
• Republicans view this as a top pick-up opportunity in 2026 to strengthen their Senate majority
• Sununu claims “I would win, by the way” when discussing his potential candidacy

From Trump Critic to MAGA Candidate

It’s amazing how quickly political winds can shift when power and opportunity come knocking. Former New Hampshire Governor Chris Sununu, who once couldn’t stop criticizing Donald Trump, has suddenly found himself as the potential Republican standard-bearer with Trump’s full backing for a crucial Senate seat. The former president met with Sununu in the Oval Office recently, extending an olive branch to a man who previously endorsed Trump rival Nikki Haley in the 2024 GOP primary. This political about-face showcases the pragmatic reality of today’s Republican party: Trump’s endorsement is the golden ticket to electoral success.

Sununu’s reconsideration of a Senate run comes after Democratic Senator Jeanne Shaheen announced she won’t seek reelection in 2026, creating a rare open seat opportunity in the politically competitive Granite State. Despite previously ruling out a Senate bid, Sununu now admits the “door is not closed” on a potential run. The former governor has been convinced to reconsider by “some folks in New Hampshire especially, and some of our mutual friends in Washington, D.C.,” according to his recent statements to Fox News. This sudden change of heart highlights how quickly political calculations can shift when an opportunity arises.

https://twitter.com/JenniferJJacobs/status/1909050595207422189

Trump’s Surprising Endorsement

In a remarkable display of political reconciliation, Trump has put aside previous grievances with Sununu and is now actively encouraging his Senate bid. “He came to my office, came to the Oval Office, and met with Chris Sununu, and I support him fully. I hope he runs. He’s been very nice to me over the last year or so, but no, I hope he runs. I think he’ll win that seat,” Trump stated. This endorsement marks a dramatic turnaround in their relationship, considering that just a year ago, Trump was publicly disparaging Sununu at rallies, calling him “nasty” and claiming he “sucks” as governor.

“He came to my office, came to the Oval Office, and met with Chris Sununu, and I support him fully. I hope he runs. He’s been very nice to me over the last year or so, but no, I hope he runs. I think he’ll win that seat.”, says Trump.

The political marriage of convenience between Trump and Sununu speaks volumes about the state of our two-party system. Principles and past criticisms are quickly jettisoned when electoral advantage is on the line. Sununu, who was particularly critical of Trump following January 6th, has made a calculated decision to realign with MAGA forces rather than stick to his previous positions.

And Trump, ever the pragmatist when it comes to winning, recognizes that Sununu’s popularity in New Hampshire makes him the strongest potential candidate regardless of past disagreements.

A Confident Contender

One thing you can never accuse Sununu of lacking is confidence. When discussing his potential run, the former governor bluntly stated, “I would win, by the way.” This swagger comes from his strong track record in New Hampshire, where he served four terms as governor.

Sununu has positioned himself as a budget hawk, something that aligns nicely with Trump’s newly established Department of Government Efficiency. The timing of this potential run coincides with growing voter frustration over out-of-control federal spending and crushing inflation caused by reckless Democratic policies.

While Sununu deliberates over the next few weeks, Democrats have already selected their champion. Congressman Chris Pappas has announced his candidacy for Shaheen’s seat, setting up what could be one of the most competitive Senate races in the 2026 cycle.

Also reportedly considering a bid is former Senator Scott Brown, who previously represented Massachusetts in the Senate before moving to New Hampshire. The Republican party’s ability to coalesce around a single strong candidate like Sununu could be the difference between flipping this seat or allowing Democrats to maintain their hold on it in a state where Kamala Harris narrowly defeated Trump.