**Stefany Shaheen holds a clear lead in the NH-01 Democratic primary market due to her substantial name recognition as the daughter of U.S. Sen. Jeanne Shaheen, combined with early fundraising exceeding $1.8 million and endorsements from local officials, unions, and healthcare advocates.** The open seat, created after Rep. Chris Pappas launched a Senate bid, drew a competitive field including Maura Sullivan, a Marine veteran and former Obama administration official with prior congressional experience who emphasizes veterans’ issues, and Heath Howard, a state representative focused on progressive priorities. Carleigh Beriont brings local selectboard and labor experience but trails significantly. Recent candidate forums in May 2026 and the mid-June filing deadline closure reinforced Shaheen’s organizational edge, with no major polling or event-driven shifts reported since earlier surveys showed her ahead amid high undecided shares. The September 8 primary remains the resolution trigger.