Stefany Shaheen holds a commanding lead in the New Hampshire 1st Congressional District Democratic primary due to her established local profile as a former Portsmouth city councilor and police commission chair, combined with strong in-state fundraising and endorsements from figures such as Gabby Giffords. As the daughter of longtime U.S. Senator Jeanne Shaheen, she benefits from name recognition and organizational support in a primary scheduled for September 8. Maura Sullivan, a U.S. Marine veteran and former Obama administration official who previously ran for the seat in 2018, has narrowed the gap in recent Saint Anselm College polling through aggressive fundraising and appeals to veterans and defense issues, though she trails significantly. Minor candidates Heath Howard and Carleigh Beriont remain far behind with limited visibility or resources. Recent campaign activity, including Shaheen’s early television ads and Sullivan’s public outreach emphasizing momentum, has reinforced trader consensus around these standings ahead of the vote.