Stefany Shaheen enters House race with fierce criticism of Trump, Musk, and Kennedy, citing healthcare advocacy as motivation.

Political Legacy Continues in Battleground New Hampshire

Stefany Shaheen, daughter of longtime Democratic Senator Jeanne Shaheen, officially announced her candidacy for Congress on Wednesday. She will run for New Hampshire’s 1st Congressional District, a competitive seat being vacated by Representative Chris Pappas.

In her campaign launch, Shaheen wasted no time targeting major political figures, including President Donald Trump, Department of Government Efficiency head Elon Musk, and Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. Her message focused on defending healthcare and science, drawing from personal experience as a mother advocating for her daughter with Type 1 diabetes.

“When I see Donald Trump crushing medical research and slashing health care for kids, seniors and veterans to give tax breaks to billionaires and corporations, I have to fight back,” Shaheen said. “No one fights harder than a mom for her kids, and that’s how I will fight for your family, too.”

Shaheen criticized Musk for “chasing out our best scientists and doctors,” and accused Kennedy of enabling measles outbreaks by spreading conspiracy theories and rejecting proven vaccines.

Establishment Support Meets Primary Challenge

Shaheen’s candidacy adds a new chapter to New Hampshire’s prominent political dynasty. Her mother, Senator Jeanne Shaheen, made history as the first woman elected both governor and U.S. senator. The elder Shaheen will not seek reelection in 2026, prompting Pappas to pursue her Senate seat and leaving the House seat open.

Stefany Shaheen previously served on the Portsmouth City Council and Police Commission. Her entry into the race sets up a potentially high-profile Democratic primary battle against Maura Sullivan, vice chair of the New Hampshire Democratic Party and an Iraq War veteran. Sullivan previously came close to winning the Democratic nomination in 2018.

The National Republican Congressional Committee responded critically, labeling Shaheen a product of political nepotism. “Nepo baby Stefany Shaheen is a DC elitist who is committed to the Democrats’ radical agenda,” the group stated. They argue her candidacy is out of touch with local voters.

Republicans are aggressively targeting the seat, which spans the eastern half of New Hampshire, including Manchester and Portsmouth. Despite being a swing district, no Republican has won the seat since 2014.

On the GOP side, Chris Bright, who ran unsuccessfully in 2024, has declared his candidacy. Former state Senator Russell Prescott, the 2024 nominee, is considering another run. Other potential contenders include GOP state Vice Chair Hollie Noveletsky, attorney Joe Kelly Levasseur, and Attorney General John Formella.

With strong family ties, deep political roots, and a message focused on health care and accountability, Stefany Shaheen’s campaign is expected to be closely watched as the 2026 election cycle accelerates in one of the nation’s most volatile districts.