National Republicans stunned by Sununu snub

New Hampshire Gov. Chris Sununu (R) shocked national Republicans Tuesday by publicly rejecting entreaties to challenge Sen. Maggie Hassan (D) in next year’s midterm elections, delivering a setback to the GOP’s chances of putting another potentially competitive race on the board at a time when Republicans feel momentum at their back.

In a press conference at the state capital in Concord, announced with just a few hours’ notice, Sununu said he would run for a fourth two-year term as governor. 

“My responsibility is not to the gridlock and politics of Washington, it’s for the citizens of New Hampshire,” Sununu told reporters. “I’d be honored to spend a few more years doing what I love doing with the people that I love.” 

Sununu’s comments took Republicans by surprise: He said he had not informed Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell or National Senatorial Campaign Committee chairman Rick Scott (R-Fla.) of his decision, a fact confirmed by sources close to both leaders in Washington. 

“As of this morning, I don’t think any high-level folks knew for 100 percent sure what he was doing,” one high-level Washington Republican told The Hill. “It was a very well-kept secret.” 

Behind the scenes, Sununu’s advisers kept national Republicans at arm’s length. The governor asked national Republicans for space to consider his decision, several sources told The Hill.