Democratic Primary Race in New Hampshire's 1st Congressional District Remains Close

<p>Two candidates — Stefany Shaheen, the daughter of retiring Sen. Jeanne Shaheen, D-N.H., and Maura Sullivan, a former official in the Obama administration — are in a close Democratic primary race in New Hampshire’s 1st Congressional District as of early Wednesday morning.</p><p>The race is too close to call, with both Shaheen and Sullivan competing to maintain Democratic control of the district, previously held by Rep. Chris Pappas, D-N.H., who is running for the U.S. Senate.</p><p>Pappas has represented the district since 2019 and announced his candidacy for the Senate last year.</p><p>Pappas stated, "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," in a press release.</p><p>Incumbents typically provide a strong chance for their party to win in competitive districts. Pappas last won reelection with 54.0% of the vote against Republican challenger Russell Prescott, a local legislator.</p><p>The race has drawn several Democratic challengers, with eight candidates, including state legislator Carleigh Beriont, who finished about ten points behind the frontrunners but received roughly 20% of the vote.</p><p>Although Sullivan raised more funds, Shaheen led the race for much of the night, finishing Tuesday evening with a 2% lead.</p><p>Sullivan raised $3.6 million in campaign contributions, compared to Shaheen’s $2.4 million, according to Federal Election Commission records.</p><p>Shaheen has the endorsement of her mother, Sen. Jeanne Shaheen, who expressed pride in her daughter’s candidacy, stating, "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."</p><p>Shaheen's campaign focuses on priorities such as Medicare for All, expanding tax breaks for first-time homebuyers, and reforming Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).</p><p>Sullivan emphasizes her experience, highlighting her military service in the Marines, her role in the Obama administration as an assistant secretary at the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), and her leadership in the health technology sector.</p><p>Sullivan stated, "I joined the Obama administration. I was proud to work on matters of national security, healthcare and reform to help fellow military families like mine," in a campaign video.</p><p>Sullivan’s platform includes measures to address price gouging, enhance the VA, oppose Trump’s tariffs, and increase federal investment in housing development.</p><p>In remarks late Tuesday, Sullivan told her supporters that the campaign was ongoing, saying, "I feel incredibly proud of the campaign that we ran — which is far from over, by the way. There are still a lot of results to come in."</p><p>Whichever candidate secures the nomination will advance to the general election on November 3.</p>