A source familiar with his thinking said U.S. Rep. Chris Pappas, D-NH, is “strongly considering” a run for Senate to replace Jeanne Shaheen.

Rep. Chris Pappas (D-N.H.) is "definitely considering" running to replace Sen. Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.) in 2026 after she announced her plans to retire, a source familiar with his thinking told Axios.

Democratic Sen. Jeanne Shaheen won’t seek reelection in 2026, kicking off what could be a hotly contested race to replace her in the state of New Hampshire. “It’s just time,” Shaheen, 78, said in a video posted on social media.

Sen. Jeanne Shaheen of New Hampshire announced she will not be running for reelection to the U.S. Senate in 2026.

She exemplifies integrity of the highest order,” former US Representative Ann Kuster said. “If Pappas doesn’t run, I would take a serious look at the race.”