Democrat Stefany Shaheen, a health technology entrepreneur and daughter of retiring Sen. Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.), has won New Hampshire’s 1st Congressional District, according to Decision Desk HQ. The projection came as Shaheen defeated Republican businessman Anthony DiLorenzo, who had the backing of former President Trump.
Shaheen’s victory keeps the seat in Democratic control, succeeding Rep. Chris Pappas, who vacated the post to run for the Senate. Pappas is currently in a tight race against former GOP Gov. Chris Sununu, a contest that has drawn national attention. The heated Senate contest has overshadowed down-ballot races, but Shaheen’s win solidifies the party’s hold on a district that has been competitive in recent cycles.
With 32 percent of precincts reporting, Shaheen led DiLorenzo by a wide margin, 59.3 percent to 40.7 percent. The Cook Political Report had rated the seat as “likely Democrat” for most of the cycle, though both Cook and DDHQ showed Shaheen ahead by only about 2 points in the final stretch.
Shaheen, a former Portsmouth city councilor, emerged from a competitive Democratic primary in September, narrowly defeating Maura Sullivan, a former Obama administration Veterans Affairs official and state Democratic Party vice chair. Her primary win set up a general election contest in which she emphasized her local roots and her commitment to working families.
During the campaign, Shaheen accepted endorsements from California Gov. Gavin Newsom and Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker, a move that drew criticism from DiLorenzo. Shaheen defended the support, saying in August: “Unlike Anthony DiLorenzo, who can write his own check to fund his own campaign … we’re working to build a campaign that’s of the people of New Hampshire.” She also pointed to DiLorenzo’s endorsements from Trump and House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.).
Shaheen’s victory is part of a broader pattern of Democratic successes in competitive House races across the country. In other key contests, Democrats have held onto seats in redrawn Texas districts and in Massachusetts’ 6th District, while also flipping a Georgia seat that was vacated by the late Rep. Scott. These wins bolster the party’s chances of regaining a House majority.
Shaheen’s win also highlights the continued influence of the Shaheen name in New Hampshire politics. Her mother, Jeanne Shaheen, is retiring after three terms in the Senate, and Stefany’s victory ensures that the family remains a force in the state’s delegation.
Looking ahead, Shaheen will be part of a freshman class that faces immediate challenges, including debates over federal spending, healthcare policy, and oversight of the Trump administration. Democrats have signaled they will scrutinize Trump’s D.C. renovation deals if they take control of the House, and Shaheen’s committee assignments could put her at the center of those investigations.
For now, Shaheen’s win is a clear signal that New Hampshire voters continue to trust the Shaheen brand, even as the political landscape shifts. Her campaign’s focus on local issues and grassroots support appears to have resonated with a district that has been a bellwether in recent elections.
