Is Maggie Hassan the Next Bill Nelson in New Hampshire Senate Race?
As we head into 2022, the political landscape in New Hampshire is heating up, with the possibility of a significant shift in the Senate race. Maggie Hassan, the current Democratic incumbent, is being closely watched as she faces growing pressure from potential Republican challengers, notably among them Chris Sununu, the state's Republican Governor.
Current Political Climate and Approval Ratings
The political climate in New Hampshire is historically volatile, and it is not uncommon for the party in control of the White House to face challenges in midterm elections. As of the current numbers, Maggie Hassan maintains an approval rating of 49%, which, while not stellar, is not a severe blow to her candidacy. The reasons for her relatively steady approval ratings are multifaceted, including her long-standing political experience and her track record of getting things done for the state.
Chris Sununu's Potential Challenge
The cautious optimism surrounding Maggie Hassan's re-election is tempered by the looming threat of Chris Sununu, the charismatic son of a former Republican Governor, running for the Senate. Sununu's father, John Sununu, was known for his significant political influence in New Hampshire, which has given the Sununu name weight and recognition across the state.
Should Chris Sununu run, he brings formidable credentials to the race. His political pedigree, combined with his father’s high approval rating, even among Democrats, makes him a formidable opponent. Additionally, the familial connection and the strong family name in New Hampshire would be a powerful asset, making the race both competitive and highly watched.
Democratic Party's Incumbency Advantage
Maggie Hassan benefits significantly from the incumbent advantage. Incumbents typically have an upper hand in elections as they require their challengers to make a compelling case not only for why the incumbent should be removed but also for why the challenger would be a better alternative. This can be a daunting task, especially for a challenger coming from outside the state or a new face in politics.
California's Midterm Election Lesson
Historically, midterms have not been kind to the incumbent party, as seen in the 2020 California state legislative elections, where several Democratic incumbents faced significant challenges. New Hampshire, with its long history of competitive races, is no exception. The state's political culture often sees shifts and reversals, making the 2022 election particularly fraught.
Conclusion and Speculations
While the landscape is complex and uncertain, the political future of New Hampshire looks intriguing. Maggie Hassan faces a challenging yet not entirely impossible road to re-election. Her resilience in the face of potential challenges will be a key factor in determining her success. As for Chris Sununu, his potential run against Maggie Hassan would undoubtedly bring significant attention to the race, making it one to watch closely.
As voters and political observers, our hope is that whoever runs against Maggie Hassan, they do so with the intention of bringing about meaningful changes and improvements for New Hampshire. Whether the result is a sound defeat for either side or a successful re-election for Maggie Hassan, the race promises to be a significant moment in New Hampshire's political history.