Chris Sununu Predicts GOP Evolution Beyond Trump, Highlights Emerging Party Divisions
Phelan M. Ebenhack/AP
Outgoing Governor Chris Sununu (R-NH), who is stepping down after four terms, has stated that the Republican Party will not always be under the influence of Donald Trump, pointing out that cracks are already appearing in the party’s relationship with the former president.
As President-elect Trump prepares to take office once again on January 20, Sununu noted that his status as a lame-duck president who cannot run in 2028 could open the door for other candidates, including incoming Vice President J.D. Vance. However, he emphasized that Vance likely wouldn’t be handed the nomination.
Speaking with Politico, Sununu reflected on the evolving dynamics within the GOP, expressing his belief that the party, contrary to popular opinion, remains a “big tent” that welcomes a variety of voices. He said, “Trump is extremely unique. There’s no ‘Trump lite’ or ‘Trump 2.0’ that can replace or replicate what he’s brought to the table, for better or for worse.”
When asked about Trump’s ongoing grip on the party, Sununu pointed to the failed nomination of Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-FL) for U.S. attorney general. Gaetz’s nomination quickly collapsed after a significant number of Republican senators expressed opposition, which Sununu said was a clear sign that resistance within the party is growing.
“Did [former Rep.] Matt Gaetz just get pushed right out of his nomination to be the U.S. attorney general? Yes. Look, it’s never easy criticizing the president and the standard bearer of your party, and there’s always that kind of political honeymoon period that happens when you first get elected,” Sununu explained.
“But there are already signs of folks that are willing to push back and criticize and say no when they feel like they have to say no. And that should give the American people a big sigh of relief that it’s not the evil dictatorship that the liberal media was telling us it was going to be.”
On the prospects for J.D. Vance in the 2028 race, Sununu acknowledged Vance’s strong position but made it clear that the nomination would not be handed to him. “There’ll definitely be a real, contested primary,” he said.
“So there’s no doubt he’s in a great position if he wanted to run in ‘28. But no one’s going to just hand it to him. You’ve got to bring him through his paces. I imagine if he wanted to be a front-runner, he would be. But no, you’re gonna have a lot of folks from all walks of life running.”
