Full Breakdown
Stefany Shaheen Secures Democratic Nomination for New Hampshire’s 1st Congressional District
9/9/2026, 11:55:25 AM
Background & Context
The 2026 midterm cycle opened after senior U.S. Sen. Jeanne Shaheen announced she would not seek a fourth term, prompting Rep. Chris Pappas to run for the Senate and leaving the U.S. House seat in New Hampshire’s 1st Congressional District open. The Democratic primary featured nine candidates, including former Portsmouth city councilor Stefany Shaheen, Marine-veteran Maura Sullivan, National Guard member Christian Urrutia, and union organizer Carleigh Beriont.
Key Figures & Groups
- Stefany Shaheen – Daughter of retiring Sen. Jeanne Shaheen; former city councilor; co-founder of a chronic-disease advocacy group.
- Maura Sullivan – Retired Marine Corps veteran; former assistant secretary at the Department of Veterans Affairs.
- Christian Urrutia – National Guard member; withdrew and endorsed Shaheen before the primary.
- Carleigh Beriont – Chair of Hampton’s selectboard; progressive activist.
- Carol Shea-Porter – Former U.S. Representative; endorsed Shaheen in the final weeks.
- Anthony DiLorenzo – Republican nominee; car-dealership owner endorsed by former President Donald Trump.
Core Event
In the early-September Democratic primary, Stefany Shaheen captured 37 % of the vote, with Maura Sullivan at 35 % and Carleigh Beriont at 22 % as precincts reporting reached 87 %. Shaheen’s win sets her against DiLorenzo in the November 3 general election.
Data & Statistics
- Vote share (reported): Shaheen 37 %, Sullivan 35 %, Beriont 22 % (87 % precincts).
- Democratic candidates: Nine.
Official Statements & Responses
- Christian Urrutia endorsed Shaheen, praising her “frank and honest” communication.
- Carol Shea-Porter called Shaheen “fierce, effective and compassionate.”
- Anthony DiLorenzo pledged a “prosperity-focused” campaign, emphasizing “pragmatic businesspeople.”
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,” — Carol Shea-Porter
- “One of the most key characteristics for a leader is to be frank and honest with the voters, Stefany does that; the other choice doesn’t,” — Christian Urrutia
What’s Next
Stefany Shaheen will face Anthony DiLorenzo in the November 3 general election for New Hampshire’s 1st Congressional District, with both candidates expected to focus on health-care reform, economic policy, and the broader midterm agenda.
