Stefany Shaheen won the Democratic primary for New Hampshire’s 1st Congressional District early Wednesday, narrowly defeating Maura Sullivan and continuing her family’s political legacy in the state.
Shaheen, the daughter of retiring Sen. Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), won 37.3% of the vote when the Associated Press called the race shortly after midnight. Sullivan, a Marine Corps veteran and former Obama administration official, finished with roughly 35%, while progressive candidate Carleigh Beriont placed third with about 22% in a crowded field of nine Democratic candidates.
The 1st District seat is being vacated by Rep. Chris Pappas (D-NH), who is running for the Senate seat, left open by Jeanne Shaheen’s retirement. Pappas won the Democratic Senate primary Tuesday and will face former Sen. John E. Sununu, the Republican nominee, in November in what is shaping up to be a key race for control of the Senate.
Stefany Shaheen’s family ties became a central issue in the House primary. Sullivan’s campaign repeatedly criticized Shaheen for benefiting from her family name, with one campaign ad describing her as someone with a “fancy last name” who believed she was “entitled” to voters’ support.
Shaheen, meanwhile, attacked Sullivan over her campaign fundraising, including donations from individuals associated with the American Israel Public Affairs Committee and executives at Palantir, which have both become flashpoints for Democrats this election cycle. Sullivan pushed back, arguing that she did not accept money directly from AIPAC or corporate political action committees.
Stefany Shaheen also had the backing of her mother, who publicly endorsed her campaign. Jeanne Shaheen highlighted her daughter’s experience as a small-business owner, healthcare advocate, and community leader.
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Not all candidates with familial political legacies have fared well in New England this election cycle. Jonathan Bush, the nephew of former President George H. W. Bush, and Angus King III, the son of Sen. Angus King (I-ME), lost their bids for Maine governor this year.
Stefany Shaheen will now face Republican nominee Anthony DiLorenzo in the general election for New Hampshire’s 1st District.