The New Hampshire Democrat said that while it’s a ‘difficult decision,’ she believes Democrats need a new generation of political leaders.
Sen. Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.) confirmed Wednesday that she will not run for reelection in 2026, harming Democrats’ chances to regain a majority in the upper chamber.
Shaheen announced the decision in a post released on social media platform X, writing: “Today, after careful consideration, I’m announcing that I have made the difficult decision not to seek reelection to the Senate in 2026.
“There are urgent challenges ahead, both here at home and around the world. And while I’m not seeking re-election—believe me—I am not retiring.”
She later wrote on the platform that in her final two years as a senator, she will “work every day” in order to “make a difference for the people of NH and this country.”
In an interview with The New York Times on Wednesday, the 78-year-old Shaheen confirmed that she will not seek a fourth term and made reference to President Donald Trump’s administration. A former New Hampshire governor, Shaheen also said that Democrats need a new generation of political leaders.
“It was a difficult decision, made more difficult by the current environment in the country—by President Trump and what he’s doing right now,” she told the outlet, adding that a “new generation of leadership” is needed.
Shaheen has been a political force in New Hampshire for decades and climbed through the ranks of Senate leadership to serve as the top Democrat on the powerful Senate Foreign Relations Committee.
New Hampshire has narrowly favored Democrats in recent presidential elections, but the state has a long history of electing leaders from both parties. Republican Gov. Kelly Ayotte was elected last fall, when Trump lost the state by less than 3 percentage points.
Shaheen’s decision places even more pressure on Democrats for the 2026 midterms, as a recent analysis from the Cook Political Report suggests that the party will have difficulty regaining the upper chamber. Republicans currently hold 53 seats compared with the Democrats’ 47, including two independents who caucus with Democrats.
