Stefany Shaheen holds a commanding lead in the September 8, 2026, New Hampshire First Congressional District Democratic primary, reflecting her strong name recognition as the daughter of U.S. Senator Jeanne Shaheen, prior service on the Portsmouth City Council and police commission, and endorsements from local mayors, unions, and health-care groups. Recent candidate forums have highlighted her focus on medical research and federal funding priorities, while fundraising reports show her campaign maintaining a substantial edge. Maura Sullivan, a Marine veteran and former Obama administration official, trails as the clearest alternative, emphasizing veterans’ issues and drawing on her 2018 congressional run and state party role, though she trails in early polling and visibility. Lesser-known candidates including Carleigh Beriont and Heath Howard register minimal support amid the frontrunner’s structural advantages heading into the final months before the primary.