Stefany Shaheen won the Democratic primary for New Hampshire’s 1st Congressional District on Tuesday. She defeated veteran Maura Sullivan in a contest that drew intense local attention. The race was part of a larger shuffle as her mother, Sen. Jeanne Shaheen, retired. This victory sets up a key battle for Democrats hoping to keep control of the House.
Stefany Shaheen brought significant financial backing to her campaign. Politico reported that $740,000 of her total donations came from donors who had previously supported her mother. That sum made up 39 percent of the total money her campaign raised. Her opponent, Maura Sullivan, had worked hard to rally the party base in the Manchester area.
Stefany Shaheen cited her tenure on the Portsmouth City Council and Police Commission as evidence of her experience. She tried to show she could stand on her own merits despite her famous last name. Sullivan’s allies fought back by crafting an ad that attacked her “fancy last name.” The New York Post reported that former Democratic contenders Christian Urrutia and Carol Shea-Porter endorsed Shaheen late in the race.
Sen. Jeanne Shaheen actively helped her daughter win this primary. The 79-year-old senator has been a major force in New Hampshire politics for decades. From 1997 through 2003 she held the governorship and has served as a senator since 2009.
Stefany Shaheen faced criticism for relying on her family name. Some voters worried she was just riding her mother’s coattails to Congress. She tried to split from her mother’s record by opposing a deal to end a government shutdown last year. Despite these challenges, she secured the nomination against a crowded field of eight other contenders.
The victory continues a pattern of political dynasties in this election cycle. Sen. Darline Graham won her primary in South Carolina last month. Other family members, like Jack Schlossberg, lost their bids for office. Stefany Shaheen now moves to the general election to face her Republican opponent.
Rep. Chris Pappas, the current holder of the seat, is running for the Senate instead. He announced his bid for higher office last year. “I’m honored that the people of New Hampshire have entrusted me to fight for them,” Pappas said. He plans to continue his fight in the U.S. Senate this fall.
Stefany Shaheen will now face the Republican nominee in November. That race will determine who fills the open seat in the House of Representatives. The district is considered competitive and vital for Democrats. Maura Sullivan had previously lost to Chris Pappas in the 2018 primary for this same seat.
The outcome of this primary changes the landscape for the upcoming November election.
