Stefany Shaheen maintains a strong lead in the New Hampshire 1st Congressional District Democratic primary on September 8, 2026, driven by high name recognition as the daughter of retiring U.S. Senator Jeanne Shaheen, prior service on the Portsmouth city council, and recent endorsements from state labor unions and federal Democrats. Recent polling, including a late June Saint Anselm survey, showed her ahead amid a crowded nine-candidate field, supported by consistent in-state fundraising and messaging on healthcare access and environmental regulation. Maura Sullivan, a Marine veteran and former Obama administration official with prior experience running for the seat, has emphasized lowering costs and grassroots outreach while holding second place through early fundraising strength. State Representative Heath Howard and Carleigh Beriont trail significantly, reflecting lower visibility and resource levels in the short campaign window leading to primary ballots.