President Trump said Sunday that he met with former New Hampshire Gov. Chris Sununu (R) about a potential Senate bid and that he hopes Sununu launches a campaign.

“He came to my office, came to the Oval Office, and met with Chris Sununu, and I support him fully. I hope he runs,” Trump told reporters aboard Air Force One. “He’s been very nice to me over the last year or so, but no, I hope he runs. I think he’ll win that seat.” 

Sununu has been a regular Trump critic, and the former governor endorsed Nikki Haley in the 2024 GOP primary before eventually backing Trump once he became the presumptive nominee.

Sen. Jeanne Shaheen, the senior Democratic senator from New Hampshire, announced last month that she will not run for reelection in 2026, setting up what is expected to be a highly competitive race.

Vice President Kamala Harris narrowly carried New Hampshire over Trump last November.

Sununu had previously said he is not interested in representing his state in Washington, but has more recently signaled he is open to running for Senate.

On the Democratic side, Rep. Chris Pappas (D-N.H.) has announced his candidacy to replace Shaheen.