Senator's daughter wins Democratic nod in closely watched race to replace outgoing Dem incumbent
Stefany Shaheen Wins New Hampshire’s 1st Congressional District Democratic Primary
Newport, N.H. – In the early hours of Wednesday, 20 June 2026, Stefany Shaheen emerged victorious in the Democratic primary for New Hampshire’s 1st Congressional District, the seat that will soon be open as current Representative Chris Pappas pursues a U.S. Senate bid. The result puts the race—a key battleground for Democrats seeking a majority in the House of Representatives—into the hands of the daughter of retiring Senator Jeanne Shaheen.
A Seat on the Brink
Representative Pappas has served the 1st District since 2019 and won re‑election in 2022 with a 54.0% to 45.9% margin over Republican Russell Prescott. Last year, he announced his intention to run for the Senate, setting the stage for the high‑profile primary that drew a crowded field of Democratic candidates.
“I’m honored that the people of New Hampshire have entrusted me to fight for them; I’m proud of what we have accomplished together and I’m going to continue this fight in the U.S. Senate,” Pappas said in a press release announcing his campaign.
With Pappas’s seat vacated, Democrats will need to win the newly open seat to solidify control of the House, a goal that has placed the primary on the political calendar for the state’s voters.
The Field of Contenders
Nine candidates vied for the nomination, each bringing a distinct set of credentials:
| Candidate | Background |
|---|---|
| Stefany Shaheen | Daughter of Senator Jeanne Shaheen, former Portsmouth City Council member, business owner, advocate for affordable health care and clean water |
| Maura Sullivan | Marine veteran, former assistant secretary at the Department of Veterans Affairs during the Obama administration, health‑technology executive |
| Carleigh Beriont | Union organizer, progressive activist |
| Christian Urrutia | Army National Guard officer, international law attorney (later withdrew, endorsing Shaheen) |
Shaheen quickly became the frontrunner. “I’ve started a business, worked on the Portsmouth City Council, and fought for affordable health care and clean water in this district.” She was endorsed by her mother, Senator Jeanne Shaheen, who announced her retirement in March and said: “I’m so proud that Stefany is answering the call to serve the district she was born and raised in, where she has started a business, worked on the Portsmouth City Council and advocated for affordable health care and clean water. 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.”
Sullivan, who highlighted her service to military families during a campaign video, emphasized a platform that included “cracking down on price gouging, bolstering the VA, opposing Trump’s tariffs, and increasing federal investments in housing development.”
Policy Priorities
Shaheen has outlined a progressive agenda for the district, stressing Medicare for All, expanded tax breaks for first‑time homebuyers, and an overhaul of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Her focus on these issues reflects the broader Democratic push for comprehensive reforms in health care and immigration.
Next Steps
With the primary decided, Stefany Shaheen will move on to the general election scheduled for November 3, 2026. The outcome of that contest will determine whether the Democratic Party retains the 1st Congressional District and, by extension, its effort to maintain a House majority.
The race has already attracted significant attention from party leaders and national donors, underscoring its importance in the midterm cycle. As voters head to the polls next week, the focus will shift from the primary to the general election, where the new representative will face a Republican challenger in a district that has historically leaned Democratic but is still competitive.