Full Breakdown
Democratic Primary Battle in New Hampshire’s 1st Congressional District
9/9/2026, 9:41:56 AM
Core Contest
The open Democratic nomination for New Hampshire’s 1st Congressional District pits former Portsmouth City Council member Stefany Shaheen against Marine Corps veteran Maura Sullivan. Both seek to replace Rep. Chris Pappas, who is running for the U.S. Senate seat held by retiring Sen. Jeanne Shaheen.
Background and Context
The seat opened after Pappas announced his Senate bid, creating the district’s first competitive Democratic primary this cycle. Shaheen is the daughter of Sen. Jeanne Shaheen; Sullivan entered as a political outsider and former Marine, positioning herself against “dynastic politics.”
Candidates and Endorsements
- Stefany Shaheen – former city councilor and police commission member; emphasizes local service and health-care advocacy. Endorsed by former Rep. Carol Shea-Porter, progressive candidate Christian Urrutia, six major New Hampshire labor unions, the League of Conservation Voters, and GIFFORDS.
- Maura Sullivan – vice chair of the state Democratic Party and Marine veteran; highlights her non-political background and a platform of affordable health care and economic opportunity. Backed by VoteVets and a network of local volunteers.
Polling and Fundraising Data
- POLITICO reports Shaheen’s campaign has raised roughly $740,000, with 39 % of itemized donations from donors who previously gave to Sen. Jeanne Shaheen.
- Sullivan has out-fundraised the crowded field, though exact figures are not disclosed.
- Recent polls are mixed: a Tavern Research poll shows Sullivan at 33 % and Shaheen at 27 %, while UNH and St. Anselm College surveys suggest a statistical tie just below 30 % each.
Official Statements & Responses
Sen. Shaheen highlighted her daughter’s commitment to Medicare for All and opposition to data-center expansion. She denied receiving support from AIPAC, countering accusations that Sullivan benefited from AIPAC-bundled donations.
Criticism & Opposition
Sullivan’s campaign attacks Shaheen for leveraging her family name, calling the “fancy last name” an unfair advantage. Shaheen, in turn, has accused Sullivan of receiving backing from AIPAC and contributions linked to Palantir, claims Sullivan refutes. The AIPAC focus marks a rare emphasis on Israel-related policy in a New Hampshire primary.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Polling data present divergent pictures: the Tavern Research poll (Sullivan 33 % vs. Shaheen 27 %) contrasts with UNH and St. Anselm surveys showing a tie. Earlier polls favored Shaheen, but differing methodologies leave the race’s precise state unsettled. Exact fundraising totals for Sullivan remain undisclosed.
Verbatim Quotes
- “There are several great progressive candidates, but the polls show this is a two-person race and after weighing all factors, I am endorsing Stefany Shaheen,” — Congresswoman Carol Shea-Porter
- “My campaign is about service, not succession. And it’s about change, not more of the same,” — Maura Sullivan
What’s Next
Voters will cast ballots in the September 8 Democratic primary. The winner will face the Republican nominee in the November 3 general election, rated “Lean Democratic” by Inside Elections and “Likely Democratic” by the Cook Political Report.
