Two candidates are vying for the Democratic nomination in New Hampshire’s 1st Congressional District, with the race still too close to call early Wednesday. Stefany Shaheen, the daughter of retiring Sen. Jeanne Shaheen, D-N.H., and Maura Sullivan, a former Obama administration official, remain the frontrunners. The contest is to determine who will replace Rep. Chris Pappas, D-N.H., who is seeking a Senate seat this year.
Pappas, who has represented the district since 2019, announced his bid for the U.S. Senate last year. He said in a statement that he is proud to continue fighting for New Hampshire in the Senate. Pappas last won reelection with 54% of the vote against Republican Russell Prescott. Several Democratic challengers, including state legislator Carleigh Beriont, also competed for the open seat. Beriont finished nearly 10 points behind Shaheen and Sullivan but secured about 20% of the vote.
Shaheen led the night’s count for much of the evening, ending with a roughly 2% margin over Sullivan. Despite raising more money — $3.6 million compared to Shaheen’s $2.4 million — Sullivan trails slightly in the race. Shaheen received her mother’s endorsement last year, with Sen. Jeanne Shaheen praising her daughter’s work and support for issues like healthcare and affordable housing.
Sullivan highlighted her military service in the Marines, her work at the Department of Veterans Affairs, and her experience as a health technology executive. She emphasized her stance on cracking down on price gouging, strengthening the VA, opposing tariffs, and increasing federal housing investments. Sullivan told supporters late Tuesday that the campaign was far from over, with results still coming in.
Once either candidate secures the nomination, they will face Republican opponents in the Nov. 3 general election.
Jon Ross Myers is the executive editor and publisher of the Mississippi News Network, Mississippi's largest digital only media company. He can be reached at editor@tippahnews.com
