NEW HAMPSHIRE — Sullivan is a former Marine captain and an Iraq War veteran. She served as assistant secretary of Veterans Affairs during the Obama administration. Her background also includes service as assistant to the Secretary of Defense and senior advisor to the Secretary of the Navy. Sullivan began serving on the American Battle Monuments Commission at a later date.

New Jersey Governor Mikie Sherrill also endorsed Sullivan. U.S. Representatives Pat Ryan, Seth Moulton, Jason Crow, Chris Deluzio, and Chrissy Houlahan provided their support. VoteVets issued an endorsement for Sullivan as well. Sullivan's campaign website stated that she saw how out-of-touch leadership in Washington failed an entire generation and working-class men and women paid the price.

Stefany Shaheen, Maura Sullivan, and Christian Urrutia lead in media attention, campaign fundraising, and endorsements. Shaheen is the daughter of U.S. Senator Jeanne Shaheen, who is retiring. Incumbent Representative Chris Pappas is running for the Democratic nomination for U.S. Senate rather than for re-election to the House. Pappas has held the seat since 2019.

Shaheen is a health care advocate, entrepreneur, and author. She previously served as a Portsmouth City Councilor and chair of the Portsmouth Police Commission. Former New Hampshire Governor John H. Lynch endorsed Shaheen.

U.S. Senator Mark Kelly also endorsed her. The American Federation of Teachers, NEA-New Hampshire, Teamsters Local 633, and IBEW 490 issued endorsements for Shaheen. Shaheen's campaign website stated: "When I see Donald Trump crushing medical research, and Republicans in Congress slashing Medicaid, and health care for kids, seniors, and veterans – all to give big tax breaks to billionaires and corporations — I know it’s not enough to just get mad. That’s why I’m running for Congress."

Christian Urrutia is an attorney and an Army National Guard officer. He previously served as a senior national security leader at the Pentagon and worked as Director of Community Policy at Airbnb. Urrutia supports universal healthcare and universal childcare.

The New Hampshire House Progressive Caucus, Our Revolution, New Hampshire Youth Movement, and 350 Action endorsed Urrutia. His campaign website stated: "Christian is running for Congress because too often our government talks about fairness — but falls short when it comes to courageously fighting for working people. That needs to change. He will deliver bold, progressive leadership for New Hampshire."

Carleigh Beriont, Sarah Chadzynski, Bill Conlin, Matthew Emerson, Heath Howard, and Sarah Bella Spinosa are also running in the Democratic primary. Beriont and Conlin completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey.

Why It Matters

The race for New Hampshire's 1st Congressional District occurs within a broader national context of open seats. There are 59 open races for the U.S. House of Representatives in 2026 in which an incumbent is not running for re-election. Across the country, 23 Democrats and 36 Republicans are not running for re-election in 2026. This compares to 2024, when 45 incumbents did not seek re-election, including 24 Democrats and 21 Republicans.

Cook Political Report analyzed the district's competitiveness, stating that "Republicans think they have a shot at picking off New Hampshire’s 1st District, which voted for Harris by just two points last November." It noted that "Democratic Rep. Chris Pappas won reelection there by a healthier eight-point margin, defeating former New Hampshire Executive Councilor Russell Prescott." The analysis added: "But now that Pappas is running to succeed retiring Sen. Jeanne Shaheen, Democrats could have a tougher time defending this seat." As of August 2026, major race forecasters rated the general election in the district as Lean or Likely Democratic. The 2026 United States House of Representatives elections in New Hampshire will be held on November 3, 2026.

Timeline

In 2024, 45 incumbents did not seek re-election, including 24 Democrats and 21 Republicans. There are 59 open races for the U.S. House of Representatives in 2026 in which an incumbent is not running for re-election. Across the country, 23 Democrats and 36 Republicans are not running for re-election in 2026.

As of August 2026, major race forecasters rated the general election in the district as Lean or Likely Democratic. Nine candidates are running in the Democratic primary for New Hampshire's 1st Congressional District. The Democratic primary election is scheduled for September 8, 2026. The 2026 United States House of Representatives elections in New Hampshire will be held on November 3, 2026.

What's New

Later reporting identified additional details regarding endorsements and candidate backgrounds. Virginia Governor Abigail Spanberger endorsed Maura Sullivan. Spanberger said Sullivan's experience as a Marine, her service in the Obama Administration, and her work in New Hampshire show who Maura is: a true public servant who does the work when no one is watching.

Sullivan said: "I’m proud to have Governor Spanberger’s endorsement because as an intelligence officer, congresswoman, and governor, she has shown what principled, effective leadership looks like – and she is a powerful example of the next generation of leaders our country needs." Additional context notes that Pappas has held the seat since 2019. Maura Sullivan served on the American Battle Monuments Commission starting at a later date. The 2026 United States House of Representatives elections in New Hampshire will be held on November 3, 2026.