Democrats secure NH’s 1st, 2nd congressional seats: Shaheen, Goodlander win Tuesday night - NHPR

Democrats held both of New Hampshire’s congressional seats on Tuesday night, with Stefany Shaheen and incumbent Maggie Goodlander cruising to decisive victories that extend the party’s decade-long dominance in federal races across the Granite State, NHPR reported. The Associated Press called the 1st Congressional District race for Shaheen shortly before 9:30 p.m., while Goodlander’s win in the 2nd District was declared just after 11 p.m., cementing Democratic control of the state’s entire federal delegation.

The double victory boosts Democratic hopes of retaking Congress and marks a continuation of a remarkable streak: the 1st District has now gone blue in six consecutive elections, while the 2nd District has not been held by a Republican since Charlie Bass won in 2010. For a state that prides itself on its independent streak, these results show just how reliably Democratic the congressional map has become.

Stefany Shaheen Wins 1st District, Carrying Family Legacy

In the 1st Congressional District, Stefany Shaheen defeated Republican nominee Anthony DiLorenzo to fill the seat being vacated by incumbent Congressman Chris Pappas. Shaheen, who lives in Portsmouth, ran her first campaign for office outside her hometown, though she carries perhaps the most recognizable surname in recent New Hampshire political history: she is the daughter of Senator Jeanne Shaheen, the state’s senior senator and one of its most successful politicians.

While her famous last name drew many voters, it repelled others, and Shaheen worked throughout the primary and general election to establish her own identity. She highlighted her work in health care, particularly diabetes research inspired by her daughter’s childhood diagnosis. Her campaign also weathered attacks over a lucrative consulting position at ARMI, a federally funded biomanufacturing collaborative in Manchester, which critics suggested resulted from her mother’s advocacy for the project.

“Tonight is proof we can do big things, and we can bring about big change,” Shaheen told supporters in Manchester Tuesday night. “In the midst of working, taking care of kids or parents, your many responsibilities, you made time to help make New Hampshire, and America better.”

DiLorenzo, who founded Key Auto Group, had secured President Trump’s endorsement to win the Republican primary. But in the general election, he attempted to distance himself from the administration on issues including tariffs and the war in Iran. He loaned his campaign $5.5 million of his own wealth, yet faced steep headwinds in a district that has become reliably Democratic. Campaign finance disclosures listing his wealth at no more than $6 million became another attack line for Shaheen, who noted he owns a Portsmouth house valued at twice that amount along with boats and other assets held in trusts.

Maggie Goodlander Cruises to Second Term in 2nd District

Incumbent Maggie Goodlander faced a far easier path in the 2nd Congressional District, which covers the western portion of the state including Concord, the Monadnock region, the Upper Valley and the North Country. She defeated Republican challenger Lily Tang Williams, who was making her third unsuccessful run for the seat.

Goodlander, who lives in Concord, comes from a well-connected Nashua family and is married to Jake Sullivan, the former National Security Advisor in the Biden administration. She has held key roles in Washington, including as a Supreme Court clerk and Justice Department lawyer. After easily defeating a progressive challenger in the primary and holding wide polling margins over Williams, she celebrated Tuesday night with supporters at Arts Alley in Concord. Goodlander told supporters at an election night gathering that government is a trust, and it is the public’s trust, and that she would work for them regardless of how they voted.

Wednesday marked Goodlander’s 40th birthday, and she was feted with a cake after her victory speech. Williams, born and raised in China, had leaned heavily on her personal story and warnings about communism during the campaign. The two candidates disagreed on healthcare affordability and energy prices, though both supported limiting stock trading by members of Congress and cracking down on corruption.

What This Means for New Hampshire’s Political Landscape

The results underscore how New Hampshire’s congressional districts have solidified into Democratic strongholds over the past decade. While the state remains competitive in statewide races—evidenced by Jeanne Shaheen’s own Senate career—the congressional map has proven remarkably resistant to Republican gains. The 2nd District’s 16-year drought for Republicans since Charlie Bass’s 2010 victory shows just how entrenched the Democratic advantage has become in western New Hampshire.

Meanwhile, Goodlander’s roles in Washington as a Supreme Court clerk and Justice Department lawyer, and her marriage to former National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan, highlight her deep ties to national politics.

Tuesday’s wins continue the Democrats’ decade-long record in federal races, with the 1st District going blue for the sixth straight time and the 2nd District not held by a Republican since 2010. With both seats secured, the state’s delegation will remain entirely Democratic, continuing a pattern that has held since 2017.