Democratic Sen. Jeanne Shaheen of New Hampshire announced Wednesday that she will not seek reelection in 2026, a decision that will bring an end to the senator`s historic career in Congress and sets up a competitive race for the Senate seat in the Granite State, writes CNN.

Shaheen`s exit could make the Democratic Party`s fight to win back the majority even more challenging in the midterm elections. The move robs Democrats of the incumbency advantage in a state that has moved slightly toward Republicans in recent years – electing Republican Kelly Ayotte governor in 2024, while Trump improved his margin of defeat there by more than 4 points from his previous run in 2020.

Shaheen, 78, has served in the US Senate since 2009, winning reelection to a second and third term in 2014 and 2020. She`s currently the top Democrat on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee.

In a video message, Shaheen said that despite her decision to not reelection, “believe me, I am not retiring” — making clear she plans to serve out the remainder of her term, which ends in 2027.

Before joining the Senate, she served three terms as New Hampshire governor, becoming the first woman elected as the state`s top executive in 1996. She made history again in 2008, when she won election to her first term in the Senate and became New Hampshire’s first female senator.

Senate Republican Leader John Thune told reporters that he believes Republicans have a shot to win Shaheen`s seat. National Republican Senatorial Committee chair Tim Scott called Shaheen`s retirement "welcome news for Granite Staters eager for new leadership".