John Sununu’s Campaign Focus on National Debt Raises Questions
Republican John Sununu, a candidate for the U.S. Senate from New Hampshire, has declared his commitment to reducing the national debt, despite his history of supporting policies that have contributed to its growth.
In a recent campaign ad, Sununu emphasized his focus on addressing the national deficit, reiterating his past efforts during his tenure in the Senate from 2003 to 2009. “People definitely want to see us cut the deficit,” he remarked in March, highlighting the importance of fostering economic growth, controlling spending, and reducing the deficit annually.
However, Sununu’s endorsement of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBB) last year has drawn scrutiny. The legislation, which primarily benefits wealthy individuals and large corporations, was touted by Sununu as a measure that would not significantly increase the national debt. He dismissed opposing views as “liberal math.”
Contrary to Sununu’s claims, the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office reported that the OBBB is expected to add $3.4 trillion to the deficit over the next decade. Similarly, a Bipartisan Policy Center analysis projects the law will increase the national debt by over $4 trillion, including interest costs.
Sununu also backed the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) during President Donald Trump’s administration, claiming in a CNBC op-ed that it would bolster American businesses. The nonpartisan Tax Policy Center estimated that the TCJA would contribute $1.5 trillion to the deficit by 2034.
Sununu’s financial interests in industries that benefitted from these laws, particularly oil and gas, have also come under investigation. The OBBB provided new government subsidies to fossil fuel producers, while the TCJA facilitated expanded drilling operations in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge. Sununu reportedly has investments of up to $50,000 in ExxonMobil and up to $65,000 in Shell.
Similarly, the pharmaceutical industry has gained from these legislative measures. The OBBB exempted certain drugs from Medicare’s price negotiation program, resulting in an additional $5 billion in government payments to drug manufacturers, according to the Congressional Budget Office. The TCJA also resulted in $6 billion in tax cuts for the sector. Sununu holds investments up to $425,000 in pharmaceutical companies, including significant stakes in Pfizer and Merck.
Sununu’s legislative history includes voting for the Economic Growth and Tax Relief Reconciliation Act in 2001 and the Jobs and Growth Tax Relief Reconciliation Act in 2003, known collectively as the Bush tax cuts. These measures were projected to add $1.7 trillion to the deficit, primarily benefiting the top 1% of earners.
With support from Trump, Sununu is set to compete against Democratic Rep. Chris Pappas in the upcoming November election.
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