Chris vs. Chris – Will It Happen?

CONCORD, N.H. — A political clash of names and ideologies may be on the horizon in New Hampshire, as speculation mounts over whether Republican Gov. Chris Sununu will enter the 2026 U.S. Senate race. With Democratic Sen. Jeanne Shaheen not seeking re-election, the contest for her open seat could shape up as a marquee matchup between two of the state’s most recognizable figures: Chris Sununu and Democratic U.S. Rep. Chris Pappas.

Former President Donald Trump has already weighed in, publicly urging Sununu to take the plunge.

“I hope he runs, I really do. He’s somebody that can win. He’s very popular, he’s done a great job as governor,” Trump said, signaling rare praise for the four-term Republican executive.

Sununu is no stranger to Senate speculation. In 2021, he surprised many in his own party by declining to run against Sen. Maggie Hassan, choosing instead to seek reelection as governor. At the time, he explained, “I’d rather push governors to be more like New Hampshire than be one of 100 in Washington.”

His decision was vindicated electorally in 2022, when he handily won a fourth term by over 15 points—outperforming nearly every Republican in the region and demonstrating his continued crossover appeal in a famously independent state.

Now, with no incumbent in the race and national Republicans eyeing New Hampshire as a top pickup opportunity, pressure is building once again. Trump’s comments appear to be an early attempt to consolidate support behind Sununu, despite past differences between the two.

On the Democratic side, U.S. Rep. Chris Pappas is widely expected to enter the race. First elected to Congress in 2018, Pappas has held New Hampshire’s 1st District—one of the most competitive House seats in the country—through four tough election cycles. His centrist messaging and deep roots in Manchester have helped him maintain a political foothold, even as Republicans have poured millions into efforts to unseat him.

A Sununu vs. Pappas matchup would offer voters a clear choice between two well-known candidates with sharply contrasting visions. Sununu brings executive experience, a record of fiscal discipline, and high favorability across party lines. Pappas, meanwhile, would likely run on his congressional experience and focus on protecting abortion access, health care, and federal investments in the state.

Republicans see Sununu as their strongest contender to flip the seat. His ability to win big in a purple state, combined with national Democrats losing the advantage of incumbency, gives the GOP a promising opening. A recent wave of early retirements, fundraising pushes, and national attention signals just how critical the race could be for control of the U.S. Senate.

For now, Sununu is keeping his options open. But with Trump urging him on, a wide-open seat, and a potential headline-making showdown with Chris Pappas, the question looms larger each day:

Chris vs. Chris – will it happen?reshape not only New Hampshire politics, but the balance of power in the U.S. Senate.