Shaheen’s Family Name Meets Trump’s Backing in a Pivotal New Hampshire House Race

Shaheen’s Family Name Meets Trump’s Backing in a Pivotal New Hampshire House Race
Stefany Shaheen and Anthony DiLorenzo have won their parties’ primaries in New Hampshire’s 1st Congressional District, setting up a closely watched contest for a seat Democrats have held since 2017 but Republicans view as a prime opportunity.

Shaheen, a former Portsmouth city councilor and the daughter of retiring Democratic Sen. Jeanne Shaheen, overcame Maura Sullivan in a crowded Democratic field. The result defied Sullivan’s advantages in fundraising and recent polling: she raised $3.6 million to Shaheen’s $2.4 million, according to Federal Election Commission records. Shaheen benefited from her mother’s endorsement and a local political profile, while Sullivan emphasized her Marine Corps service, Obama administration experience and work in veterans’ health.

The Democratic race exposed a sharp contrast in candidate identity as well as policy. Shaheen promoted Medicare for All, expanded tax credits for first-time homebuyers and an overhaul of Immigration and Customs Enforcement. Sullivan presented herself as the more experienced national-security and veterans’ policy candidate, advocating stronger Veterans Affairs support, action against alleged price gouging and opposition to President Trump’s tariffs.

The primary also turned personal. Shaheen’s campaign accused Sullivan of being funded by pro-Israel and corporate interests; Sullivan answered that Shaheen “was born on third base and thought she hit a triple.” An earlier account characterized the Democratic contest as too close to call, underscoring how unsettled the race appeared before the final projections.

On the Republican side, Trump-backed businessman Anthony DiLorenzo defeated several rivals, including Hollie Noveletsky. Trump had offered DiLorenzo his “complete and total endorsement,” calling him “a very successful businessman and entrepreneur.”

The general election will test whether Shaheen’s family network and Democratic lean in the district can withstand a Republican campaign built around Trump’s backing and the party’s effort to flip a historically competitive seat.