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John E. Sununu
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John E. Sununu

Former US senator from New Hampshire; Republican candidate for its open 2026 Senate seat.

John E. Sununu held New Hampshire’s US Senate seat from 2003 to 2009 and returned as the Republican candidate for its open 2026 race.

Last refreshed: 24 September 2026 · Appears in 1 active topic

Key Question

Why is the NRSC spending $5.18m to help John E. Sununu's Senate bid?

Timeline for John E. Sununu

#18 20 Sept

Received $5.18m of NRSC coordination

US Midterms 2026: NRSC spends $45.9m, DSCC takes cash lead
#18 15 Sept
View full timeline →

Background

John E. Sununu is a former US senator from New Hampshire. He held the state’s Senate seat from 2003 to 2009 before leaving office.

In 2026, Sununu returned as the Republican candidate for New Hampshire’s open Senate seat after Jeanne Shaheen’s retirement. His candidacy places a former statewide office-holder in a contest against Democrat Chris Pappas.

His earlier Senate service gives his campaign an established political record in New Hampshire. That history remains the central reference point for understanding his later bid for the same office.

Common Questions
How much NRSC coordinated spending has John E. Sununu received?
The National Republican Senatorial Committee named him the fourth-largest recipient of its coordinated spending as of 21 September 2026, at $5.18m.Source: event
Is John E. Sununu related to Chris Sununu?
They are brothers, but John E. Sununu, the 2026 Senate candidate, is a former US senator, distinct from Chris Sununu, the former New Hampshire governor, and from their father John H. Sununu.
Has New Hampshire's Senate race moved towards Sununu?
The Cook Political Report shifted its rating of the race towards Sununu in its 22 September 2026 update.Source: event