Shaheen wins New Hampshire's Democratic congressional primary

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(The Center Square) — Democrat Stephany Shaheen will square off against Trump-endorsed Republican Anthony DiLorenzo in the November elections after winning the party's nomination to run for New Hampshire's wide-open 1st Congressional District seat. 

Shaheen, the daughter of outgoing U.S. Sen. Jeanne Shaheen, edged out former Obama administration official Maura Sullivan in Tuesday's Democratic primary, according to an unofficial tally by the Associated Press. The race was called after midnight, with Shaheen picking up 37% of the vote to Sullivan's 35%, and Carleigh Beriont placing third with about 87% of the votes counted, the AP reported. Five other Democrats were also on Tuesday's packed ballot. 

Shaheen, a former Portsmouth city council member, hasn't leaned into her family name as she campaigned across the sprawling congressional district, even criticizing her mother's decision to vote against reopening the federal government during a shutdown last year. 

"It's not enough to stop Trump's damage. We have to do better than that," Shaheen said in remarks to supporters Tuesday night, several before the race was called. "We have to give a reason for people to feel motivated and inspired and show up between now and November, and that's what we will do in this campaign."

Shaheen will now face DiLorenzo, a political newcomer and owner of a chain of car dealerships and collision centers, in the race to fill the House seat left by outgoing Rep. Chris Pappas, who has represented the district since 2019. Pappas won Tuesday's Democratic primary to fill the U.S. Senate seat currently occupied by the elder Shaheen, a Democrat who is retiring.

DiLorenzo defeated Hollie Noveletsky, an ironworks business owner, and Manchester state Rep. Brian Cole in Tuesday's GOP primary for the 1st Congressional District, according to the AP. 

National Republicans have also made flipping New Hampshire's 1st Congressional District — viewed as one of the top swing districts in the midterm elections — a top target this year. 

The National Republican Congressional Committee has pumped money and resources into the race and is expected to ramp up spending after the primary. 

Meanwhile, Democrats hope to defend the seat they have held since 2017 despite the district's competitive landscape.