New Hampshire Primaries Advance Sununu, Pappas for Senate

Stefany Shaheen secured the Democratic nomination for New Hampshire's First Congressional District in Tuesday's primary, defeating former Marine Maura Sullivan in a contest that highlighted the enduring role of family political connections. The daughter of retiring Sen. Jeanne Shaheen prevailed by a narrow margin after a campaign marked by efforts to separate herself from her mother's record while drawing substantial support from the same donor network.

Campaign finance records show that nearly $740,000 of Shaheen's fundraising, or 39 percent of itemized contributions, came from individuals who had previously donated to her mother. One donor confirmed that Sen. Shaheen personally contacted supporters last fall to back her daughter's bid. Shaheen had publicly distanced herself from aspects of her mother's tenure, including criticism of the deal that ended last year's government shutdown, and emphasized her own work in local government in Portsmouth and advocacy for medical research.

Sullivan sought to make family ties a central issue, portraying Shaheen as an extension of the state's Democratic establishment at a time when primary voters in other states had rejected similar candidates. The race turned negative in its final weeks, with both sides airing attack ads over fundraising sources and outside support. Two other candidates dropped out before Election Day, one of whom, progressive Christian Urrutia, endorsed Shaheen.

The outcome fits a broader pattern in New Hampshire's primaries, where established figures outperformed challengers in several key races. In the Senate contest to succeed Jeanne Shaheen, voters nominated Rep. Chris Pappas on the Democratic side and former Sen. John Sununu on the Republican side. Both candidates carried name recognition and institutional backing in a contest both parties see as pivotal for control of the chamber.

Shaheen's victory occurred against a national backdrop of primary surprises favoring progressive candidates in some districts. Yet New Hampshire's results showed voters opting for continuity over disruption in races viewed as competitive for the general election. Sullivan's military background and outsider pitch did not overcome the organizational and financial advantages tied to the Shaheen family.

The primary also featured Republican Anthony DiLorenzo, a car dealership owner who received an endorsement from President Trump, setting up a general election matchup in a district that has leaned Democratic in recent cycles. Shaheen now faces the task of broadening her appeal beyond the primary electorate while navigating questions about her independence from long-standing political networks in the state.