Stefany Shaheen, daughter of retiring U.S. Sen. Jeanne Shaheen, secured the Democratic nomination in New Hampshire’s 1st Congressional District, a competitive seat that could be pivotal in the battle for House control. The primary outcome on Wednesday sets Shaheen against a Republican opponent in the November general election, aiming to succeed outgoing Democratic incumbent Rep. Chris Pappas.
Pappas, who has represented the district since 2019, is pursuing a U.S. Senate bid. He last won reelection with 54.0% of the vote against Republican challenger Russell Prescott.
Shaheen, who secured the nomination, faced a field of eight Democratic contenders. Among them was Maura Sullivan, a Marine veteran and former Obama administration official, and Carleigh Beriont, a union organizer. Christian Urrutia, an Army National Guard officer, initially ran but later withdrew and endorsed Shaheen, who emerged as a frontrunner.
Sen. Jeanne Shaheen, who announced her retirement in March, endorsed her daughter. "She’s working hard to earn voters’ support in her own right and on her own merits — and I couldn’t be prouder to support her candidacy," the senator said in a statement. Stefany Shaheen’s platform includes advocating for Medicare for All, expanding tax credits for first-time homebuyers, and overhauling the Department of Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
Sullivan positioned herself as an experienced candidate, highlighting her military service and her work as an assistant secretary at the Department of Veterans Affairs during the Obama administration. Her campaign focused on reining in price gouging, strengthening the VA, opposing tariffs, and increasing federal investment in housing development.
Shaheen's victory in the primary advances her to the general election on November 3.
