Stefany Shaheen, a former Portsmouth city councilor and daughter of retiring U.S. Senator Jeanne Shaheen, won the Democratic primary for New Hampshire’s 1st Congressional District on September 8, 2026, narrowly defeating Maura Sullivan in a closely contested race.
With 88% of votes counted when the Associated Press called the race just after midnight Wednesday, Shaheen led Sullivan 37.2% to 34.9%, according to the New Hampshire Bulletin. Progressive candidate Carleigh Beriont, a union organizer and chair of the Hampton Select Board, placed third with 22% of the vote in a field of nine Democratic candidates.
Sullivan, a Marine Corps veteran and former Obama administration official, had sought to make the primary a referendum on political dynasties. According to the New York Times, Sullivan attempted to weaponize Shaheen’s family ties, accusing her of believing she was “entitled” to the seat. Despite Sullivan’s challenge and Shaheen’s initial frontrunner status, the race remained extremely competitive throughout the campaign, with polls showing the two candidates in a dead heat in the weeks before voting.
Shaheen’s victory comes as the 1st District seat opened after four-term incumbent Chris Pappas chose to run for U.S. Senate to replace the retiring Jeanne Shaheen. The district, which voted for Vice President Kamala Harris by just two points in the last presidential election, is considered one of the nation’s classic swing districts. Republicans see an opportunity to flip the seat, according to Cook Political Report.
Shaheen will face Republican Anthony DiLorenzo, a Portsmouth businessman, in the November general election. DiLorenzo easily won the Republican primary on the same day, and has received an endorsement from President Donald Trump, according to multiple outlets covering the race.
Shaheen’s background includes work as a health care advocate and entrepreneur. She is also a New York Times bestselling author who has written about her experiences advocating for her daughter’s health care needs. Her campaign emphasized health care reform, including plans to lower prescription drug costs and expand access to medical treatment.
The race highlighted divisions within New Hampshire’s Democratic establishment. While some local leaders, including Portsmouth Mayor Deaglan McEachern, endorsed Shaheen, Sullivan drew support from national Democratic figures and donors. The primary featured heated exchanges over campaign finance, corporate endorsements, and foreign donations.
Sources
- New Hampshire Bulletin — Primary results with vote totals and percentages; background on candidates and the race
- New York Times — Shaheen’s victory and Sullivan’s campaign strategy on family ties
- Military News — Shaheen’s background and former city council service
- Al Jazeera — Context on NH primary outcomes and general election dynamics
- Cook Political Report — District classification as swing district
