Democrat Stefany Shaheen, a health-tech entrepreneur and daughter of retiring Senator Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.), has been projected the winner in New Hampshire's 1st Congressional District, according to Decision Desk HQ (DDHQ). Shaheen defeated Republican Anthony DiLorenzo, a businessman endorsed by former President Trump, in the race to succeed outgoing Representative Chris Pappas (D), who vacated the seat to pursue a Senate bid.
With 32 percent of ballots counted as of 8:00 p.m. EST, DDHQ projected Shaheen took 59.3 percent of the vote to DiLorenzo's 40.7 percent. The Cook Political Report, a nonpartisan election handicapper, had rated the district as "likely Democrat" from February 2025 until a week before Election Day, though both Cook and DDHQ had shown Shaheen leading by only about 2 points.
Shaheen, a former Portsmouth city councilor, narrowly won the Democratic primary in early September, defeating Maura Sullivan, who served as a top official at the Department of Veterans Affairs during the Obama administration. Her victory in the general election underscores the district's Democratic lean, despite the competitive nature of the race.
During the campaign, Shaheen drew criticism from DiLorenzo for accepting endorsements from Democratic Governors Gavin Newsom of California and JB Pritzker of Illinois. She defended the support in August, saying, "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 highlighted DiLorenzo's endorsements from Trump and House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.).
Shaheen's win is part of a broader pattern of Democratic successes in competitive House races, including Allred's victory in a redrawn Texas district and Koh's win in Massachusetts' 6th District. These results suggest that Democrats are holding key suburban and swing districts, even as Republicans make gains elsewhere.
Political Significance
The 1st District, which covers eastern and parts of southern New Hampshire, has been a bellwether in recent cycles. Shaheen's victory ensures that the seat remains in Democratic hands, a critical outcome as the party seeks to maintain or expand its narrow majority in the House. The race also highlighted the influence of national endorsements, with Shaheen's out-of-state support becoming a flashpoint.
DiLorenzo, a self-funding businessman, leaned heavily on his Trump endorsement and conservative messaging, but ultimately could not overcome the district's Democratic tilt. Shaheen's campaign emphasized local issues, including healthcare and economic opportunity, which resonated with voters.
Looking ahead, Shaheen will join a freshman class that includes other notable winners, such as Dallas Pastor Frederick Haynes and Clark in Georgia's 13th District. Her focus will likely be on legislative priorities that align with her background in health technology and her family's political legacy.
For New Hampshire, the Shaheen name carries weight, and Stefany's victory continues a family tradition of political service. Her mother, Jeanne Shaheen, has been a prominent figure in state and national politics, and this win solidifies the family's influence in the Granite State.
As the new Congress convenes, Shaheen's seat will be closely watched, particularly given the narrow margins in the House. Her ability to navigate the demands of a polarized chamber will be tested, but her victory provides Democrats with a measure of stability in a competitive region.
