Stefany Shaheen maintains a strong position in New Hampshire’s 1st Congressional District Democratic primary due to her established name recognition as the daughter of longtime U.S. Senator Jeanne Shaheen and her record as a former Portsmouth city councilor and police commission chair. Recent polling averages and local endorsements, including from municipal leaders and unions, have reinforced her lead ahead of the September 8 vote. Maura Sullivan, a Marine veteran, former Obama administration official, and state party vice chair who ran for the seat in 2018, has narrowed the gap through superior fundraising totals and targeted outreach on costs and veterans’ issues, though her support remains secondary in current surveys. Lower-polling candidates such as state Representative Heath Howard and Hampton Select Board member Carleigh Beriont face significant barriers from limited visibility and resources in the crowded field. The short remaining campaign window limits opportunities for major shifts in voter preferences before ballots are cast.