The Democratic primary for New Hampshire's First Congressional District has come down to a tight contest between Maura Sullivan, the state party's vice chair, and Stefany Shaheen, a former Portsmouth city councilor and daughter of retiring Senator Jeanne Shaheen. The seat is open because incumbent Democrat Chris Pappas is running for the Senate.
Recent polling shows Sullivan with a slight edge over Shaheen, but the race has been marked by sharp exchanges over outside spending and Shaheen's political pedigree. The two have also sparred over who is the true progressive in the race, with Sullivan positioning herself as an outsider and Shaheen leaning on her local government experience.
Seven other candidates are on the Democratic ballot, including progressive Carleigh Beriont, who has drawn support from the party's left wing. The race has attracted national attention, with outside groups pouring money into the contest. The outcome could signal the direction of the party's base ahead of the midterms.
On the Republican side, car dealership owner Anthony DiLorenzo, who has received an endorsement from former President Trump, is facing Hollie Noveletsky, the former vice chair of the state GOP. The GOP primary has also been competitive, with both candidates vying for the chance to flip a district that has been trending Democratic in recent cycles.
Polls close at 7 p.m. and 8 p.m. EDT, and results are expected to come in quickly. Decision Desk HQ is providing live updates as votes are tallied. Early returns will give an indication of which candidate has the edge, but the final outcome may not be known until later tonight.
The race is being watched closely as a bellwether for the national political climate. With control of the House up for grabs, both parties are looking to this primary as a test of their messaging and grassroots support. The winner will face the Republican nominee in November, and the general election is expected to be highly competitive.
Sullivan, a Marine Corps veteran and former Pentagon official, has emphasized her military service and her work on veterans' issues. Shaheen, who has served on the Portsmouth City Council, has focused on local economic development and healthcare access. Both have sought to tie themselves to popular state figures, but the race has also exposed divisions within the state party.
Recent polls suggest the race is within the margin of error, making it too close to call. The outcome could hinge on turnout in the state's urban centers, where both candidates have campaigned heavily. As results come in, political analysts will be watching to see which candidate can consolidate the party's diverse coalition.
For more on the broader political landscape, see our coverage of potential 2028 Democratic front-runners and the fault lines exposed by GOP anti-socialism votes. The outcome of this primary could also have implications for similar primary challenges elsewhere.
Stay tuned to Decision Desk HQ for live results and analysis as the night unfolds.
