Stefany Shaheen maintains a clear lead in trader consensus for the September 8, 2026, Democratic primary in New Hampshire’s 1st Congressional District due to her local record as a former Portsmouth city councilor and police commission chair, plus endorsements from multiple Democratic mayors across the district and her family connection to U.S. Senator Jeanne Shaheen. Recent candidate forums in late May highlighted shared themes of opposition to the Trump administration, where Shaheen and second-place Maura Sullivan, a Marine veteran and former Defense Department official who previously sought the seat, emphasized leadership experience. Carleigh Beriont and Heath Howard trail with comparatively lower visibility as local officials and state representatives. The open-seat contest, months from the primary, leaves room for shifts driven by fundraising, additional endorsements, or debate performances.