John Sununu launches Senate bid

• "Washington, as anyone who observes can see, is a little dysfunctional right now," Sununu told WMUR9 News in an interview announcing his campaign.
• "It's important that we have someone who knows how to get things done," he added.
• "Sununu's decision to run instantly makes New Hampshire a top-tier U.S. Senate race," Senate GOP Whip John Barrasso (R-Wyo.) posted on X, an early backer from party leadership.

Catch up quick: Sununu will run for the same seat he held for a single term before losing to Sen. Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.) in 2008. Shaheen is now retiring.

• Sununu will primary former Sen. Scott Brown (R-Mass.), who launched his campaign in June.
• The winner is expected to face Rep. Chris Pappas (D) in the general election.
• "New Hampshire voters are witnessing a formidable Republican field poised to make this seat competitive in 2026," said Kristen Cianci, the Republican National Committee's regional communications director.

Zoom out: Sununu has been urged by GOP leaders, including Majority Leader John Thune (R-S.D.), to make a run for the seat.

• Other top GOP Senate recruits — such as Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp and John Sununu's brother former New Hampshire Gov. Chris Sununu — have declined to run.
• Meanwhile, Democrats have landed star candidates like Gov. Roy Cooper (D-N.C.), Gov. Janet Mills (D-Me.) and former Sen. Sherrod Brown (D-Ohio).

Editor's note: This story has been updated with additional reporting.