Shaheen and Sununu Keep New Hampshire Dynasties Alive
The 2026 primary contests will soon be over. Last week in New Hampshire, two members of that state’s storied political families won their races. What do Americans think about these political dynasties, and how are they faring in other states this fall?
TL;DR
- Stefany Shaheen and John E. Sununu, from prominent New Hampshire political families, won their respective primary races for a congressional seat and U.S. Senate nomination.
- Descendants of well-known political families like the Kennedys and Bushes have lost recent primary contests.
- Other familiar names, such as Christine Pelosi and Pat Grassley, are running for office this fall, with some considered likely to win.
- Public opinion on political dynasties is split, with concerns about undue influence and a general sense of exhaustion, though many remain indifferent.
- Historical data indicates a significant presence of family members serving in Congress, and the trend of political heirs entering politics persists.