Watch CBS News

Corey Lewandowski says he won't seek Senate seat in New Hampshire

Lewandowski hosts anti-impeachment rally
Daily Trail Markers: Corey Lewandowski hosts anti-impeachment rally in New Hampshire 06:10

Corey Lewandowski, President Trump's former campaign manager, ended months of speculation by announcing Tuesday that he will not run for a U.S. Senate seat in New Hampshire. Lewandowski had been considering a bid to unseat Democratic Senator Jeanne Shaheen.

Lewandowski said in a series of tweets that while he is "certain" he would have won, he decided to forgo a Senate campaign "after much consideration."

"My priorities remain my family and ensuring that @realDonaldTrump is re-elected POTUS," he tweeted. "I am truly humbled by the outpouring of support I have received from people across New Hampshire and the country."

Lewandowksi said he plans to endorse a Republican the primary.

Lewandowski said in August he was "seriously considering" running for the Senate in New Hampshire and planned to discuss a potential campaign with the president. Mr. Trump lauded him weeks later, telling a New Hampshire radio station Lewandowski would be a "great senator" and "great for New Hampshire."

Had Lewandowksi entered the race, he would've faced several others in the Republican primary, including former state House Speaker Bill O'Brien, retired General Don Bolduc, and attorney Bryant "Corky" Messner.

Following Lewandowsk's announcement, Josh Marcus-Blank, spokesman for the New Hampshire Democratic Party, said the three Republican candidates would "tear each other down in the contentious primary Lewandowski has left behind."

"Senator Shaheen will continue working across the aisle for New Hampshire, leading efforts to lower prescription drug costs and making sure veterans and their families get the benefits they deserve," he added.

Lewandowski was ousted from the Trump campaign in June 2016 after a growing number of Republicans and then-candidate Trump's children urged his firing. He remained a close ally of the president's and opened a political consulting firm in Washington, D.C., soon after the 2016 election. Lewandowski, however, left the shop in May 2017 amid scrutiny of his work with foreign clients. 

Shaheen has represented New Hampshire in the Senate since 2009. While Mr. Trump won the New Hampshire Republican primary, he went on to lose the state in the general election by fewer than 3,000 votes. 

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.