Nine candidates are running in the Democratic primary for New Hampshire's 1st Congressional District election on September 8, 2026. Stefany Shaheen (D), Maura Sullivan (D), and Christian Urrutia (D) lead in media attention, campaign fundraising, and endorsements. Incumbent Chris Pappas (D) is running for the Democratic nomination for U.S. Senate rather than for re-election.
Ahead of the election, the Cook Political Report wrote, "Republicans think they have a shot at picking off New Hampshire’s 1st District, which voted for Harris by just two points last November. Democratic Rep. Chris Pappas won reelection there by a healthier eight-point margin, defeating former New Hampshire Executive Councilor Russell Prescott. But now that Pappas is running to succeed retiring Sen. Jeanne Shaheen, Democrats could have a tougher time defending this seat."
Shaheen, who is the daughter of U.S. Sen. Jeanne Shaheen (D), is a health care advocate, entrepreneur, and author. Her previous experience includes serving as a Portsmouth City Councilor and as chair of the Portsmouth Police Commission. Shaheen is running on her record in local government and her experience as a health care advocate. Shaheen's campaign website said, "When I see Donald Trump crushing medical research, and Republicans in Congress slashing Medicaid, and health care for kids, seniors, and veterans – all to give big tax breaks to billionaires and corporations — I know it’s not enough to just get mad. That’s why I’m running for Congress." Former New Hampshire Gov. John H. Lynch (D), U.S. Sen. Mark Kelly (D-Ariz.), the American Federation of Teachers (AFT), NEA-New Hampshire, Teamsters Local 633, and IBEW 490 endorsed Shaheen.
