Sununu Affirms Big-Tent Philosophy Amid Trump’s Victory

MARCO ISLAND, Fla. — In light of President-elect Donald Trump’s strong electoral win this month, the former New Jersey governor Chris Christie isn’t the only Republican who will inevitably find themselves in the shadow of Trump’s consolidating grip on the party. Yet another notable figure, New Hampshire Governor Chris Sununu, believes there is still ample space within the GOP for those who don’t fully align with the MAGA and America First movements.

A New Chapter for the Republican Party

During an interview with Fox News Digital at the Republican Governors Association winter meeting, held at a picturesque waterfront resort in Southwest Florida, Sununu articulated a clear message: “The party is a big-tent party. There’s no question about it.” This assertion comes as Trump’s dominance raises questions about the party’s inclusiveness going forward.

Backing the Nominee

Sununu, who supported former U.N. Ambassador Nikki Haley in the primaries, acknowledges his allegiance to the party following Trump’s primary victory. “It was a huge victory across the country, and the people of this country have spoken very loudly and unequivocally,” he stated, underscoring Trump’s role as “the standard-bearer of the party.”

He emphasized that Trump’s success is reflective of a robust and diverse party base: “If it wasn’t, he wouldn’t have won. If it wasn’t, we wouldn’t have had convincing wins all across this country in a variety of different states.”

Cabinet Nominations: A Mixed Bag

Sununu expressed cautious optimism regarding Trump’s Cabinet appointments, admitting, “He definitely has a couple of controversial Cabinet picks that… I don’t mind saying I’m not the biggest fan of, but the vast majority of them are terrific.” In his view, Trump is striving to bring together a team that combines both governmental experience and private sector insight to advance fiscal responsibility and reduce unnecessary regulations that burden businesses and consumers alike.

Support for Down-Ballot Candidates

Although Sununu chose not to personally promote Trump during the elections in swing state New Hampshire, he did actively rally support for down-ballot Republicans, which reflects a strategic focus on maintaining a broader Republican influence. His efforts paid off, as he successfully backed Kelly Ayotte, the GOP gubernatorial nominee who captured the governorship with a significant victory.

Reflecting on Ayotte’s nearly nine-point win, Sununu remarked, “It was [a] victory for New Hampshire.” He expressed confidence in Ayotte’s experience, noting, “She has that experience as an attorney general, as a U.S. senator. She understands how the systems work.”

A Collaborative Transition

Transitioning the governorship to Ayotte is already underway, with Sununu indicating that discussions about governance occur nearly every day. “Our transition is already going incredibly smoothly,” he asserted, indicating a commitment to working alongside Ayotte to ensure that her administration effectively meets the needs of the people.

When asked whether he would provide continued support post-transition, Sununu assured, “She’ll have my cell number. I don’t know if she’ll need it because I think she’s going to be fantastic on her own, but she’ll always have my cell number.” Sununu also stressed the importance of collaboration. “We want New Hampshire to be successful. It’s not just me helping Kelly out. It is always a team effort.”

Looking Ahead: No Senate Run for Now

Although Sununu considered a presidential bid for 2024, he ultimately decided against running and confirmed that he would not seek an unprecedented fifth two-year term as governor. “I’m excited to get back to the private sector. I like businesses, I like deal sourcing,” he shared.

As for future political aspirations, Sununu made it clear that he has no plans to run for the Senate in 2026, despite the anticipated competitive race against longtime Democrat Senator Jeanne Shaheen. “Definitely ruling out running for the Senate in 2026. Yeah, definitely not on my dance card,” he affirmed, while acknowledging the possibility of Republicans finding a suitable candidate for the election.

Future Political Chapters

While Sununu’s focus is on transitioning to the private sector, he has not entirely closed the door on future political endeavors. “We’ll see what political chapters write themselves down the road,” he commented, leaving the door slightly ajar for potential future engagements in office.

With Republicans seeking to reclaim a foothold in New Hampshire, especially after Ayotte’s recent victory, Sununu’s experiences and network may prove valuable in guiding the party towards change, highlighting that while Trump may be the face of the present GOP, the party is indeed vast and showcases diverse voices.

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