Trump Ally Scott Brown Storms NH Senate Race, Slams Biden Policies

Paul Riverbank, 6/26/2025 In a noteworthy political development, former Senator Scott Brown has launched a compelling bid for New Hampshire's Senate seat, setting up a crucial battleground for Senate control. This race, pitting Brown's varied political experience against Rep. Chris Pappas, exemplifies the state's evolving political landscape and national significance.

I've watched Brown's political evolution since his days in the Massachusetts State House. There's something uniquely New England about his journey – born at Portsmouth Naval Shipyard, where the state lines blur between Maine and New Hampshire, Brown's political identity has similarly crossed borders in ways that would be unthinkable in most other regions.

The timing couldn't be more interesting. With Chris Sununu – arguably the state's most popular Republican – choosing to sit this one out, Brown's announcement has sent ripples through the GOP's establishment. Having covered New Hampshire politics for years, I can tell you the all-Democratic congressional delegation has been a persistent thorn in Republican strategists' sides.

Brown's campaign video struck familiar chords, praising former governors Sununu and Kelly Ayotte while taking aim at Washington representation. But what caught my attention was his calculated pivot toward current issues. "We haven't been represented by the right people," he declared – a line that resonates differently in New Hampshire's notoriously independent-minded political circles than it might elsewhere.

His Democratic opponent, Chris Pappas, brings his own compelling narrative to the race. At 44, the four-term congressman represents a different generation and political style. Their early exchanges – Brown attacking Pappas's Biden alignment, Pappas countering with accusations about corporate interests – feel like the opening moves in what promises to be a fascinating chess match.

What makes this race particularly intriguing is Brown's unusual resume. From state legislator to U.S. Senator, then Trump's ambassador to New Zealand and Samoa, even a stint as dean of New England Law in Boston – it's the kind of varied background that plays well with New Hampshire voters, who tend to appreciate political complexity over partisan purity.

I've seen enough New Hampshire Senate races to know this one matters beyond state lines. With control of the Senate potentially hanging in the balance, national attention will inevitably focus on this contest. But as any veteran of Granite State politics will tell you, New Hampshire voters have a peculiar talent for confounding national expectations.

The months ahead will test both candidates' ability to navigate New Hampshire's unique political terrain. Brown's previous Senate campaign here in 2014 ended in defeat, but politics, like New England weather, can change rapidly. This race isn't just about winning Shaheen's seat – it's about understanding the shifting dynamics of New Hampshire's political identity in an increasingly polarized nation.

The political landscape of New Hampshire never fails to surprise, and this week proved no exception. Scott Brown, the politician who once captured Ted Kennedy's Massachusetts Senate seat, is making another run at representing the Granite State – this time for Jeanne Shaheen's soon-to-be-vacant position.I've watched Brown's political evolution since his days in the Massachusetts State House. There's something uniquely New England about his journey – born at Portsmouth Naval Shipyard, where the state lines blur between Maine and New Hampshire, Brown's political identity has similarly crossed borders in ways that would be unthinkable in most other regions.The timing couldn't be more interesting. With Chris Sununu – arguably the state's most popular Republican – choosing to sit this one out, Brown's announcement has sent ripples through the GOP's establishment. Having covered New Hampshire politics for years, I can tell you the all-Democratic congressional delegation has been a persistent thorn in Republican strategists' sides.Brown's campaign video struck familiar chords, praising former governors Sununu and Kelly Ayotte while taking aim at Washington representation. But what caught my attention was his calculated pivot toward current issues. "We haven't been represented by the right people," he declared – a line that resonates differently in New Hampshire's notoriously independent-minded political circles than it might elsewhere.His Democratic opponent, Chris Pappas, brings his own compelling narrative to the race. At 44, the four-term congressman represents a different generation and political style. Their early exchanges – Brown attacking Pappas's Biden alignment, Pappas countering with accusations about corporate interests – feel like the opening moves in what promises to be a fascinating chess match.What makes this race particularly intriguing is Brown's unusual resume. From state legislator to U.S. Senator, then Trump's ambassador to New Zealand and Samoa, even a stint as dean of New England Law in Boston – it's the kind of varied background that plays well with New Hampshire voters, who tend to appreciate political complexity over partisan purity.I've seen enough New Hampshire Senate races to know this one matters beyond state lines. With control of the Senate potentially hanging in the balance, national attention will inevitably focus on this contest. But as any veteran of Granite State politics will tell you, New Hampshire voters have a peculiar talent for confounding national expectations.The months ahead will test both candidates' ability to navigate New Hampshire's unique political terrain. Brown's previous Senate campaign here in 2014 ended in defeat, but politics, like New England weather, can change rapidly. This race isn't just about winning Shaheen's seat – it's about understanding the shifting dynamics of New Hampshire's political identity in an increasingly polarized nation.