Stefany Shaheen and Republican businessman Anthony DiLorenzo have won their respective primaries in New Hampshire’s closely watched 1st Congressional District, setting up a contest to replace four-term Democratic representative Chris Pappas.
The results from Tuesday, September 8, were projected by the Associated Press and CBS News. Shaheen secured a narrow Democratic victory over Maura Sullivan, while DiLorenzo comfortably won the Republican nomination.
New Hampshire congressional primary
With 88% of the vote counted, Shaheen held 37% against Sullivan’s 35%, according to AP figures. Carleigh Beriont, the progressive candidate in the crowded field, was third on 22%.
Shaheen, a former Portsmouth city councillor and police commissioner, is the daughter of retiring Democratic senator Jeanne Shaheen. Her victory came despite Sullivan holding an advantage in both fundraising and late polling.
The Democratic contest grew increasingly hostile in its final weeks. Shaheen accused Sullivan of benefiting from support linked to the pro-Israel lobby and corporate interests, allegations Sullivan rejected. In a response, Sullivan attacked Shaheen’s political background, saying she “was born on third base and thought she hit a triple”.
It was Sullivan’s second failed attempt to win the seat. She previously lost the Democratic primary in 2018 to Pappas, who is now standing for the Senate seat being vacated by Jeanne Shaheen.
DiLorenzo’s Republican victory was more decisive. He received about 51% of the vote, ahead of Hollie Noveletsky on 26% and Brian Cole on 14%.
The first-time candidate was endorsed by Donald Trump in July, with the president describing him as “a very successful businessman and entrepreneur”. DiLorenzo is the founder of Key Auto, a New Hampshire-based chain of car dealerships and repair shops, and used about $1.6m of his own money to finance the campaign.
The November election is expected to be competitive. The National Republican Congressional Committee has identified the district as a leading target, although Democrats have held the south-eastern New Hampshire seat since 2017. It had changed hands five times in the decade before that.
The University of Virginia’s Center for Politics rates the district as leaning Democratic, while the Cook Political Report classifies it as likely Democratic.
