Stefany Shaheen maintains a commanding lead in the New Hampshire 1st Congressional District Democratic primary, scheduled for September 8, 2026, driven by her high name recognition as the daughter of longtime U.S. Senator Jeanne Shaheen, prior service as a Portsmouth city councilor, and strong in-state fundraising. Traders reflect this positioning at 80 percent amid consistent polling advantages and endorsements from health care leaders, local mayors, Senator Mark Kelly, the League of Conservation Voters, and labor groups. Maura Sullivan, a Marine veteran, former Obama administration official, and state party vice chair who previously ran for the seat in 2018, holds the clearest alternative position at 17.5 percent through targeted outreach on costs and veterans' issues, though she trails significantly. State Representative Heath Howard and Carleigh Beriont remain far behind at under 4 percent combined, limited by lower visibility and resources in the crowded nine-candidate field. No major shifts have altered the dynamics in recent weeks.