Stefany Shaheen holds a clear lead in trader consensus for the September 8, 2026, New Hampshire 1st Congressional District Democratic primary, supported by her established local record as a former Portsmouth city councilor and police commission chair plus statewide name recognition. Recent candidate forums in late May highlighted all contenders framing their campaigns around opposition to federal policy shifts, with Shaheen emphasizing health care and research priorities. Maura Sullivan, a Marine veteran, former Defense Department official, and 2018 nominee who now serves as state party vice chair, maintains a solid second position through her prior congressional experience and strong fundraising totals. Carleigh Beriont and Heath Howard trail as lesser-known entrants without comparable visibility or institutional backing at this stage.