Full Breakdown
Democratic Primary for New Hampshire’s 1st Congressional District Heats Up
9/8/2026, 1:08:32 PM
Background & Context
The race to succeed Rep. Chris Pappas (D-NH) in the 1st Congressional District has become a focal point of the 2026 midterms. Pappas announced he will not seek re-election, opening the seat to a crowded Democratic field that initially included seven candidates. Notable contenders are Stefany Shaheen, daughter of retiring U.S. Sen. Jeanne Shaheen, and Maura Sullivan, a former Marine Corps veteran and former assistant secretary at the Department of Veterans Affairs.
Key Candidates
- Stefany Shaheen – former Portsmouth city councilor; founder of a biotech venture focused on chronic-illness care.
- Maura Sullivan – Marine Corps veteran; former Obama-era Defense and Veterans Affairs official; positioned as a moderate with a pro-Israel record.
- Christian Urrutia – National Guard member and former Airbnb director; withdrew and endorsed Shaheen.
- Carol Shea-Porter – former four-term congresswoman; endorsed Shaheen.
Campaign Dynamics and Funding
Shaheen’s campaign has run ads accusing Sullivan of taking “AIPAC-bundled donations” and portraying her as “bankrolled” by the pro-Israel lobby. Sullivan’s fundraising advantage is noted by NBC Boston, which reports she has raised more than $15 million overall for her Senate bid and holds about $4.3 million in cash on hand. Shaheen’s financial picture is less detailed, but high-profile endorsements have helped offset a smaller war chest.
Polling Landscape
- A Tavern Research poll released in late August showed Sullivan leading Shaheen 33%-27%.
- Surveys by the University of New Hampshire Survey Center and St. Anselm College indicated the two candidates were effectively tied, each just above 30%.
- Andrew Smith, director of the UNH Survey Center, said early polling favored Shaheen because of name recognition, while later data reflected Sullivan’s gains after intensified campaigning.
Endorsements and Strategic Moves
- Christian Urrutia endorsed Shaheen, calling her “frank and honest.”
- Carol Shea-Porter endorsed Shaheen, noting the race had narrowed to two major candidates.
- Shaheen also secured the endorsement of Sen. Maggie Hassan in late August.
Official Statements & Responses
Shaheen defended her anti-AIPAC messaging as a transparency issue, arguing voters deserve to know the sources of a candidate’s funding.
Verbatim Quotes
- “I’m the only truly independent candidate here who can actually vote on anything with a clear conscience and with New Hampshire’s best interests at heart,” — Scott Brown, Boston political reporter
- “We share a bold vision for the change this country needs,” — Sen. Jeanne Shaheen
- “This race is about change versus more of the same,” — Maura Sullivan
- “We've been the underdog this entire race,” — Maura Sullivan
What’s Next
The Democratic primary is scheduled for Tuesday, giving candidates roughly eight weeks before the general election. Voters will decide which candidate will appear on the ballot to challenge the Republican nominee for the 1st District seat. The outcome will hinge on how effectively each campaign translates endorsements, fundraising, and policy positions into voter support in the final weeks.
