Shaheen defeats DiLorenzo to hold 1st District for Democrats

Stefany Shaheen spent years working up to Tuesday — and her victory over Republican Anthony DiLorenzo in the 1st Congressional District will keep the seat blue. 

Shaheen, 52, will replace longtime 1st District Rep. Chris Pappas, who vacated the seat to run for U.S. Senate. Shaheen, daughter of retiring U.S. Sen. Jeanne Shaheen, will continue the family’s legacy in Congress. 

Shaheen’s campaign aligned with popular Democratic policy issues for the midterm elections: affordability and the economy, healthcare, and government accountability for the Trump administration. 

Before running for House of Representatives, Shaheen served as a Portsmouth city councilor and member of the city’s police commission. In the private sector, Shaheen worked for ARMI, a company founded by Dean Kamen, where she was a biotech consultant. She has also sat on the board of multiple diabetes and health organizations. 

Around 9:15 p.m., Shaheen announced to supporters in Manchester that NBC News had called the race in her favor. With 49% of the vote in, Shaheen led DiLorenzo 58.6% to 41.4%. The race was called by the Associated Press at 9:21p.m.

Shaheen said she would “bring down costs for New Hampshire families” in her victory speech at the Puritan Backroom in Manchester. 

“I heard from people who are hurting, and they showed up today to vote for change,” Shaheen said. “Because we believe people deserve healthcare that works. Parents need childcare that’s high quality and that they can afford, housing that’s affordable and available, and a quality public education for every kid in New Hampshire. Where there are wages that can support a family. Clean air and water free from cancer-causing chemicals. And innovation that lifts us all up, not wipes us out.”

She continued: “This election is about delivering a government that works for the people, not the powerful. And that’s the America I am ready to fight for. That’s the promise of a country that we owe to our children, all of our children.” 

The Portsmouth native defeated the Trump-endorsed Republican DiLorenzo, also of Portsmouth. DiLorenzo, an automobile and real estate executive, owns over two dozen car dealerships and collision centers, as well as other businesses in the Seacoast area. The first-time candidate for elected office campaigned on reducing federal spending and inflation, maintaining President Donald Trump’s Immigration and Customs Enforcement efforts, and maintaining private healthcare, as well as lowering housing costs and addressing New Hampshire’s workforce demands. 

The two candidates also differed on how they would approach energy and housing, as well as reproductive rights. Both faced criticism on the campaign trail as well: Shaheen on accusation of nepotism due to her mother’s successful career in New Hampshire politics, and DiLorenzo, on wealth and financial transparency. 

“The voters have spoken, and we’re up against some headwinds,” DiLorenzo said in his concession speech. “We all know what it is. It seems like our party is going to have a very, very tough evening. … We lost a lot of ground in the state, and I can’t imagine it’s going to be anything anywhere different across the country.” 

Shaheen’s win will maintain the district for Democrats, a seat they have successfully been able to hold since 2016.