Key Points
- Scott Brown, former U.S. Senator from Massachusetts and ex-U.S. Ambassador to New Zealand and Samoa, announced his candidacy for the U.S. Senate in New Hampshire, aiming for the seat being vacated by retiring Democratic Sen. Jeanne Shaheen.
- Brown’s campaign launch video emphasized his support for former President Donald Trump, border security, and a change in Washington, directly challenging Democratic Rep. Chris Pappas, who is also running for the seat.
- Brown criticized Pappas and President Joe Biden’s policies, citing issues like border security, inflation, and the cost of living.
- Chris Pappas responded by accusing Brown of supporting corporate special interests and Trump’s tariffs, which Pappas claims harm New Hampshire businesses.
- Brown’s announcement follows New Hampshire Gov. Chris Sununu’s decision not to run for the Senate seat.
- Brown’s political history includes a surprise 2010 Senate win in Massachusetts, a loss to Elizabeth Warren in 2012, and a narrow defeat to Shaheen in New Hampshire in 2014.
- Brown has deep family roots in New Hampshire and highlighted his Granite State connections to counter expected “carpetbagger” criticisms.
- Other Republicans may enter the primary, but Brown is currently the highest-profile GOP candidate.
- The National Republican Senatorial Committee views the seat as competitive for 2026.
- Brown has remained active in public life, including as a law school dean, musician, and community volunteer.
Scott Brown, the former U.S. Senator from Massachusetts and ex-Ambassador under President Donald Trump, officially declared his candidacy for the U.S. Senate in New Hampshire on Wednesday, setting up a high-profile contest for the seat being vacated by retiring Democratic Sen. Jeanne Shaheen. Brown’s entry immediately reshapes the 2026 race, drawing sharp lines between himself and Democratic hopeful Rep. Chris Pappas, and signaling a return to the political spotlight for one of New England’s most recognizable Republican figures.
Why Is Scott Brown Running for Senate in New Hampshire Again?
As reported by CBS News Boston, Scott Brown announced his campaign for the 2026 U.S. Senate race in New Hampshire with a video message that underscored his commitment to “restoring leadership, securing America’s future, and delivering results for New Hampshire families”. Brown, who previously served as U.S. Senator from Massachusetts and as Ambassador to New Zealand and Samoa, said,
“My life has been the American story, but I worry about what America is going to look like for my four grandchildren—and all of yours” (Boston 25 News).
Brown’s campaign is focused on issues he claims are critical to New Hampshire voters: border security, economic stability, and what he describes as a need for new leadership in Washington. “President Trump is fighting every day to right the ship,” Brown said in his announcement video, adding,
“If we send Chris Pappas to the Senate, we’ll get more of the same. But if we want a better future, we need a change in direction” (CBS News Boston).
What Is the Political Background of Scott Brown?
According to ABC News and The Washington Post, Brown, 65, was born at the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard in New Hampshire before moving to Massachusetts as a child. He began his political career in the Massachusetts Legislature and won national attention in 2010 by capturing the U.S. Senate seat left vacant by the death of Edward Kennedy—a stunning upset for Republicans in a deep-blue state.
Brown lost his Senate seat to Elizabeth Warren in 2012 and subsequently moved to Rye, New Hampshire, in 2013. He ran for the Senate in New Hampshire in 2014, narrowly losing to Jeanne Shaheen. After leaving elective office, Brown served as U.S. Ambassador to New Zealand and Samoa during Trump’s first term and briefly as dean of New England Law Boston.
How Are Brown and Pappas Positioning Themselves in the Race?
Brown’s campaign launch video and statements have been sharply critical of Chris Pappas and President Joe Biden’s administration. As reported by NH Journal, Brown said, “Chris Pappas wants a better title? I want a better America”. He accused Pappas of supporting Biden’s policies, which he claims have led to an “open border” and rising costs for families.Pappas, who has served four terms in Congress and announced his Senate bid in April, responded forcefully. According to ABC News and Boston 25 News, Pappas said,
“Scott Brown stands with corporate special interests, supports efforts to strip away health care coverage from tens of thousands of Granite Staters, and backs President Trump’s reckless tariffs that New Hampshire small businesses are speaking out against every single day”.
Pappas assured voters, “I’ll always put New Hampshire first” (Boston 25 News).
Who Else Might Enter the Republican Primary?
As reported by NH Journal, while Brown is currently the highest-profile Republican in the race, other potential GOP candidates include state Sen. Dan Innis, businessman Phil Taub, and newcomer Walter McFarlane. Innis, for example, has not yet made a final decision but acknowledged the significance of the race in a recent social media post.
Brown’s campaign is already drawing support from some New Hampshire Republicans. Rep. Joe Sweeney (R-Salem) told NH Journal,
“Scott Brown is a battle-tested leader who’s ready to fight for New Hampshire values and get our country back on track. I’m proud to stand with him on Day 1 because he’s the Granite State fighter we need in the U.S. Senate”.
How Is Brown Addressing “Carpetbagger” Criticisms?
Given Brown’s history as a Massachusetts politician, questions about his New Hampshire roots have surfaced in previous campaigns. As noted by NH Journal, Brown is emphasizing his birth at the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard and his family’s deep ties to the Granite State to counter these attacks. With other recent New Hampshire candidates also having moved into the state shortly before running, such criticisms may carry less weight in this cycle.
What Role Does Donald Trump Play in Brown’s Campaign?
Brown’s announcement video featured numerous images of his service under President Trump and praised Trump’s record on border security, China, and America’s global standing. According to Politico, Brown said,
“Trump is fighting every day to right the ship. He sealed the border, he stood up to China, and he restored our standing in the world”.
Asked by WMUR if he had any assurances of Trump’s endorsement, Brown replied,
“There’s no assurances in anything in life at all. I live every day as if it’s my last—and certainly I would love the president’s endorsement” (NH Journal).
While Brown was critical of Trump’s actions on January 6, 2021, he has largely been a vocal supporter and has hosted “No B.S. Backyard BBQs” for Republican candidates, building connections with GOP primary voters.
What Is the National Significance of This Senate Race?
The National Republican Senatorial Committee (NRSC) sees the New Hampshire seat as a potential pickup in 2026. NRSC Regional Press Secretary Nick Puglia told NH Journal,
“Scott Brown is right that Democrats like Chris Pappas are out-of-touch with Granite Staters. New Hampshire is in play for Republicans in 2026, and we play to win”.
Brown’s entry into the race comes after Gov. Chris Sununu, a popular Republican, decided not to run for the seat, despite encouragement from Trump and other national figures. The outcome of this race could have significant implications for control of the U.S. Senate in the next Congress.
What Has Brown Been Doing Since Leaving Elected Office?
According to CBS News Boston and Boston 25 News, Brown has remained active in public life since his last Senate campaign. He served as dean of New England Law Boston for a brief period in 2021, has performed with his classic rock band “Scott Brown and the Diplomats,” competed in triathlons, coached high school basketball, and spent time with his grandchildren.
What’s Next for the New Hampshire Senate Race?
The filing period for the 2026 U.S. Senate race in New Hampshire does not open for another year, but the contest is already shaping up to be one of the most closely watched in the country. With Brown and Pappas as early frontrunners, the race will likely serve as a referendum on the direction of both national parties and the key issues facing New Hampshire voters.
As the campaign unfolds, both candidates are expected to sharpen their messages on the economy, health care, border security, and their respective records of public service. The endorsements of national figures, particularly Donald Trump, could also play a decisive role in the Republican primary.