Former U.S. Senator John E. Sununu is poised to announce a significant comeback to New Hampshire politics this week, aiming to reclaim the Senate seat he lost in 2008. With the impending retirement of Democrat Jeanne Shaheen, Sununu's entrance into the race is stirring anticipation and strategic alignments across the Republican spectrum.

Since September, Sununu has been exploring the possibility of a Senate run, engaging with key political figures and aligning his campaign-in-waiting. His candidacy is seen as crucial for the GOP's efforts to flip this critical Senate seat. Despite his opposition to former President Donald Trump, Sununu has been in talks with the White House and is expected to meet with Trump soon. The endorsement from Trump could prove vital in the GOP primary, where Trump's influence remains substantial despite his electoral struggles in the state.

Sununu's political legacy as part of a prominent New Hampshire Republican family—his father served as governor and White House Chief of Staff, and his brother as governor—adds a significant narrative to his candidacy. However, his past criticisms of Trump, including a scathing op-ed where he called Trump a "loser," complicate his path in the primary, where Trump remains a popular figure.

The GOP primary already features former Senator Scott Brown, who, unlike Sununu, is a Trump-aligned candidate. Brown has indicated that he does not plan to step aside, setting the stage for a potentially contentious battle. State Senator Dan Innis, another contender, recently withdrew from the race and endorsed Sununu, bolstering his campaign.

Despite being the presumed frontrunner in the Republican primary, early polls suggest Sununu would face a challenging general election. He currently trails behind the Democrats' leading contender, Representative Chris Pappas, in hypothetical matchups.

As the political landscape evolves, Sununu's bid will test the waters of a state that has shifted politically over the years and will examine the resilience and appeal of one of New Hampshire's most notable political families. His official campaign announcement, expected later this week, will likely provide further clarity on his strategies and how he plans to navigate the complexities of modern Republican politics.