New Hampshire Primaries Advance Sununu, Pappas for Senate

Stefany Shaheen secured the Democratic nomination for New Hampshire's First Congressional District in a tight primary contest Tuesday, defeating former Marine Maura Sullivan after a bruising campaign that exposed deep tensions over family political ties and donor influence. The daughter of retiring Sen. Jeanne Shaheen prevailed with backing from prominent state Democrats even as she sought to downplay those connections on the trail.

Shaheen's victory came despite Sullivan's repeated efforts to portray her as an extension of the Washington establishment. Sullivan highlighted nearly $740,000 in campaign contributions from donors who had previously supported the senator, a figure representing 39 percent of Shaheen's itemized donations according to a POLITICO analysis. One donor confirmed to POLITICO that Sen. Shaheen personally reached out last fall to solicit support for her daughter. Shaheen had attempted to create separation by criticizing a government funding deal her mother helped negotiate and by emphasizing her own record in local Portsmouth service and medical research advocacy.

The contest turned sharply negative in its final weeks. Both campaigns aired attack ads, and disputes over outside spending intensified as polls tightened. Two other candidates dropped out late, with progressive Christian Urrutia endorsing Shaheen. The race underscored how name recognition and financial networks can still overcome anti-incumbent sentiment within the party.

This outcome fits a broader pattern in New Hampshire's primaries, where familiar figures prevailed in key races viewed as critical for House and Senate control. Rep. Chris Pappas, a four-term incumbent, easily defeated a progressive challenger for the Democratic Senate nomination, while former Sen. John Sununu secured the Republican nod in a comeback attempt. Both parties now face a potentially competitive general election matchup.

The results stand in contrast to recent Democratic primaries elsewhere that have rewarded progressive challengers skeptical of establishment credentials. In New Hampshire, however, the old guard held firm. Shaheen's win relied on support from some of the state's most prominent Democrats, reinforcing concerns that dynastic advantages and overlapping donor pools continue to shape outcomes even when candidates attempt to run on independent records.

Voters in the district will now see Shaheen face the Republican nominee in November, with control of the seat hanging in the balance. The primary battle demonstrated that while progressive energy has disrupted other races nationally, entrenched family and financial connections retain significant power in the Granite State.