Financial Benefits Linked to Rising Prices for Senate Candidate John Sununu
Republican candidate John Sununu, who is vying for a U.S. Senate seat in New Hampshire, has reportedly gained financially from the rising costs of essential goods like gas, food, and medicine, according to his campaign finance disclosures.
Sununu, who previously served in the Senate from 2003 to 2009, is making affordability a central theme of his campaign. His personal finances reveal substantial investments in the stock market, with a net worth estimated to be as high as $36.3 million. As external factors like tariffs and the ongoing Iran war have pushed prices up, the value of some of Sununu’s investments has also increased.
Oil and Gas Investments
Sununu’s significant stakes in the oil and gas sector are illustrative of this dynamic. The conflict in Iran has disrupted global oil trade, causing a surge in gas prices. This situation has benefited American gas companies, which have not faced the same disruptions but have been able to capitalize on the increased prices.
Sununu holds investments of up to $50,000 in ExxonMobil and up to $65,000 in Shell. With gas prices rising for New Hampshire residents, Sununu’s investments in these companies have seen about a 24% increase in value.
Despite the widespread unpopularity of the Iran war, Sununu has supported it, emphasizing its importance for both the American and global economies. He noted in March on New Hampshire Today radio, “the mission in Iran is ‘important and critical’ even if it is driving up costs.” In June, he reiterated that the war would be beneficial for the economy and national security.
Food Retail Investments
Sununu’s portfolio also includes substantial investments in food retail companies that have profited as grocery costs have risen. His holdings include up to $150,000 in Wal-Mart, up to $100,000 in PepsiCo, and another $100,000 in Coca-Cola. Rising food prices have been driven by increased shipping costs and the lingering effects of tariffs imposed by former President Donald Trump.
Although the Supreme Court invalidated certain tariffs, prices have not fully corrected. The Bureau of Labor Statistics recorded a 2.4% increase in food prices in 2025, with coffee prices spiking by 21% due to tariffs on Brazil. Consequently, Sununu’s investments in PepsiCo grew by 4%, Wal-Mart by 34%, and Coca-Cola by 21%, with a combined value increase of at least $50,000.
Sununu has consistently minimized the impact of tariffs, describing their economic impact as “very modest” in September 2025. He also downplayed the Supreme Court’s ruling, highlighting other legislative avenues for imposing tariffs.
Pharmaceutical Sector Investments
Sununu’s involvement extends to the pharmaceutical industry, where he holds up to $425,000 in stocks and bonds, including significant investments in Pfizer and Merck. Despite a White House announcement in September 2025 that drug prices would decrease, these companies raised prices in subsequent months, with Pfizer increasing its COVID vaccine price by 15% and Merck raising prices on 18 products.
While in the Senate, Sununu voted multiple times to prevent Medicare from negotiating lower drug prices and to block the importation of more affordable drugs from Canada. Post-Senate, he worked as a lobbyist for Akin Gump, representing both Pfizer and Merck.
Sununu is set to compete in a primary against former Massachusetts Sen. Scott Brown on September 8, with the winner likely facing Democratic Rep. Chris Pappas in the November election.
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