Senator Jeanne Shaheen has been accused of using her political influence to aid her daughter, Stefany Shaheen, in a closely contested Democratic primary in New Hampshire for the 1st Congressional District seat. The race to replace Congressman Chris Pappas has become a focal point for discussions surrounding political dynasties.
According to Punchbowl News, Senator Shaheen has reportedly contacted lobbyists and donors, urging them to support Stefany Shaheen's candidacy. The senator also reportedly intervened directly with VoteVets, a Democratic veterans organization that has contributed $2.6 million to the campaign of Maura Sullivan, Stefany Shaheen's main rival.
The contest has intensified in recent weeks, with Sullivan's campaign launching television advertisements that directly critique Stefany Shaheen's family background. One ad stated, "Stefany's the kind of person that was born on third base and thought she hit a triple. I want a fighter, not a fancy last name." Sullivan has also accused Stefany Shaheen of feeling entitled to voter support, asserting that she herself must earn it.
Stefany Shaheen's campaign has, in turn, criticized Sullivan's reliance on donations from AIPAC and corporate interests.
The race has seen a significant shift in momentum. Stefany Shaheen was initially considered the frontrunner, but Sullivan has gained ground in the final stages of the campaign. A three-poll average shows Sullivan leading, with one poll placing her at 27.3 percent and Stefany Shaheen at 23.3 percent, according to 270toWin.
With a considerable number of undecided voters, the outcome remains uncertain days before the primary. On Sunday, another Democratic candidate, Christian Urrutia, withdrew from the race and endorsed Stefany Shaheen, providing a late boost to her campaign.
The increasing outside spending in the primary, particularly from groups backing Sullivan, has been noted as a significant factor shaping the contest. NHPR reported that the race has become increasingly defined by this external funding and the negative attacks between the two leading candidates.
Stefany Shaheen has a background in local politics, having served on the Portsmouth City Council from 2014 to 2016 and chaired the Portsmouth Police Commission from 2019 to 2024. She entered the congressional race in 2025 after working in business and healthcare. Her mother, Senator Jeanne Shaheen, is a prominent figure in New Hampshire Democratic politics, serving in the Senate for nearly two decades and previously as the state's governor.
The Republican primary for the district is also competitive, with several candidates vying for the nomination. The district has shown a capacity to be competitive in general elections; Vice President Kamala Harris carried the district by a narrow margin in 2024, although Representative Pappas won reelection by a larger margin that same year. Pappas is currently seeking Senator Shaheen's Senate seat.