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New Hampshire Sen. Jeanne Shaheen made a significant announcement Wednesday morning through a social media video, declaring her decision not to pursue reelection. The announcement from the 78-year-old senator came amid widespread speculation about her political future and whether she would pursue a fourth term in office.
The news of Shaheen’s retirement quickly drew reaction from Republican leadership. “Another one!” exclaimed National Republican Senatorial Committee chairman Tim Scott of South Carolina. “Shaheen’s retirement is welcome news for Granite Staters eager for new leadership. New Hampshire has a proud tradition of electing common-sense Republicans — and will do so again in 2026!”
The political landscape appears favorable for Republicans to maintain their control of the Senate, given their current 53-47 majority and potential opportunities to gain seats in states like Georgia and Michigan, with New Hampshire now joining the list of competitive races.
New Hampshire Senator Jeanne Shaheen will not seek reelection. Earlier this year, Michigan Senator Gary Peters announced he is not running for reelection. Senate Democrats are now down two incumbent senators heading into the 2026 midterms.
pic.twitter.com/hYbq0X2acN— Charles R Downs (@TheCharlesDowns) March 12, 2025
Had Shaheen chosen to run and win another term, she would have been 85 years old by its conclusion in January 2033, making her among the oldest serving senators in the chamber’s history.
Recent polling indicates that age was a significant concern among New Hampshire voters. A survey conducted by Praecones Analytica for NHJournal between February 26 and March 1, sampling 626 registered voters, revealed that approximately 60% expressed concern about Shaheen’s age affecting her ability to serve another term. Only about 16% of respondents indicated they had no concerns about her age.
The age issue gained additional attention when MSNBC Host Chris Hayes criticized Shaheen’s potential fourth-term bid in December. “Democrats are not taking this [age] issue seriously, and they need to,” Hayes said during a Dec. 17 episode. “[T]his is nothing against Shaheen personally. But according to Pew Research Center polling from just last year, 79% of Americans support age limits for politicians in Washington.”
Senator Shaheen is not running for her re-election in 2026. It is about time to turn this seat RED. https://t.co/I4Qrc1R3cy
— Lily Tang Williams (@Lily4Liberty) March 12, 2025
Financial indicators had also suggested a possible retirement, with Shaheen’s campaign reporting modest fundraising numbers of approximately $170,000 in the fourth quarter and less than $1.5 million in cash on hand by the end of 2024.
Shaheen’s announcement follows similar retirement decisions from Democratic Senators Gary Peters of Michigan and Tina Smith of Minnesota, adding to the shifting dynamics of the upcoming electoral landscape.
