Scott Brown, the former U.S. senator from Massachusetts and ambassador to New Zealand during President Trump’s administration, is seriously considering a run for the U.S. Senate in New Hampshire in 2026. If he proceeds, it could set up a highly anticipated rematch with Democratic Senator Jeanne Shaheen, potentially making for a competitive and expensive race in this key swing state.
At 65 years old, Brown is active in his community, participating in triathlons and performing with his rock band, Scott Brown and the Diplomats. He’s been meeting with Republican groups in New Hampshire to gauge support and is committed to understanding the state’s concerns, particularly criticizing the actions of New Hampshire’s all-Democrat congressional delegation.
After winning a special U.S. Senate election in Massachusetts in 2010 and losing re-election in 2012 to Elizabeth Warren, Brown moved to New Hampshire, where his family has deep historical roots. He narrowly lost to Shaheen in the 2014 Senate race. Since then, Brown has remained politically active, hosting Republican candidates during the 2016 and 2024 election cycles and supporting his wife, Gail, during her 2022 Congressional campaign.
Brown, confident in his New Hampshire ties despite criticisms of being a carpetbagger, emphasizes his long-term engagement in the state. He has time to organize ahead of the 2026 election and is positioning himself as a viable alternative to Shaheen, who is expected to decide whether she’ll run for another term early next year.
If Brown runs, the Senate race in New Hampshire is likely to be one of the most closely watched in the 2026 midterms.