Rep. Chris Pappas (D-NH) announced his run for retiring Sen. Jeanne Shaheen‘s (D-NH) seat to represent the Granite State in the Senate, leaving the door open for fierce competition for his House seat.

The former New Hampshire governor had been seen as a top Republican recruit in the liberal-leaning yet competitive state. President Trump had said on Sunday, “I hope he runs.”

Sununu's decision to pass on the bid comes as a blow for Senate Republicans who were hoping to draft a top-tier candidate in the New Hampshire race.