John Sununu’s Investments Thrive Amid Rising Costs in New Hampshire Senate Race
As New Hampshire gears up for a pivotal Senate race, Republican candidate John Sununu’s financial gains amid rising costs for gas, food, and medicine have come under scrutiny. Sununu, who previously served as a U.S. Senator from 2003 to 2009, is making a comeback bid, with affordability remaining a central theme of the campaign.
Sununu and his wife hold substantial investments in various sectors, boasting a net worth of up to $36.3 million. Rising prices due to tariffs and the ongoing conflict in Iran have bolstered the value of Sununu’s stock portfolio, particularly in the energy sector.
The impact of the Iran conflict is especially evident in Sununu’s significant oil and gas investments. Disruptions to the international oil trade have led to an increase in global gas prices. However, American gas companies, unaffected by these disruptions, have capitalized on the situation by maintaining high prices and maximizing profits. Sununu holds up to $50,000 in ExxonMobil and up to $65,000 in Shell, with his gas investments increasing by approximately 24% as New Hampshire residents faced higher fuel costs.
Despite the war’s unpopularity, Sununu has expressed support for the Iran mission, describing it as “important and critical” on New Hampshire Today radio. He further stated that continuing the war would benefit the global and American economies and enhance national security.
Beyond energy, Sununu has substantial investments in food retailers that have thrived amid rising grocery prices. His portfolio includes up to $150,000 in Wal-Mart, up to $100,000 in PepsiCo, and up to $100,000 in Coca-Cola stocks. These companies have benefited from increased shipping costs due to higher gas prices and the lingering effects of former President Donald Trump’s tariff policies. Sununu’s holdings in PepsiCo grew by 4%, Wal-Mart by 34%, and Coca-Cola by 21%, collectively increasing by at least $50,000 in value.
Trump’s tariffs, initially imposed on several countries, have led to higher consumer prices as importers pass the costs onto consumers. Although the Supreme Court struck down these tariffs, prices have not significantly decreased. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reported a 2.4% rise in food prices in 2025, with coffee prices jumping by 21% due to tariffs on Brazil.
Sununu has downplayed the impact of Trump’s tariffs, stating in September 2025 that their economic effects were “very modest.” In March 2026, he seemed to dismiss the Supreme Court’s decision against the tariffs, emphasizing the president’s continued ability to impose tariffs under other legal provisions.
Sununu is also heavily invested in the pharmaceutical industry, holding up to $425,000 in stocks and bonds, including significant stakes in Pfizer and Merck. Despite a White House announcement in September 2025 that drug prices would decrease following an agreement with pharmaceutical companies, prices later rose. Pfizer increased its COVID shot price by 15%, and Merck raised prices on 18 products, potentially benefiting Sununu’s investments.
In the Senate, Sununu voted against measures to allow Medicare to negotiate lower drug prices and to permit importing cheaper prescription drugs from Canada. After leaving office, he worked as a lobbyist for Akin Gump, representing both Pfizer and Merck.
Sununu is set to face former Massachusetts Senator Scott Brown in the Republican primary on September 8. The winner will likely contend with Democratic Representative Chris Pappas in the November election.
