Stefany Shaheen, daughter of retiring U.S. Sen. Jeanne Shaheen, launched her long-rumored campaign for Congress on Wednesday morning.
The news was first reported by WMUR.
Shaheen’s two-minute campaign launch video focuses heavily on the story of her daughter’s lifelong struggle with Type 1 diabetes and Shaheen’s advocacy on her behalf. She co-founded Good Measures, a Boston-based company that provides chronic care management, and she wrote a best-selling book (which she plugs in her campaign video) about her daughter’s battle with the disease.
“When I see Donald Trump crushing medical research in our country, when I see Elon Musk with a chainsaw chasing out our best scientists and doctors, when I see Bobby Kennedy Jr allowing measles to run rampant because he believes in conspiracy theories instead of proven vaccines,” Shaheen says in her video.
“And when I see congressional Republicans slashing Medicaid, children’s health care, veterans health care, all to fund massive tax breaks for billionaires and corporations, well, I’m going to fight and believe me, I know how there’s no one who fights harder than a mom for her kids, and that’s how I’ll fight for your family, too.”
Another mom expected to fight for her kid is Jeanne Shaheen, who chose not to run for reelection next year. Political insiders expect the Shaheen machine to generate massive funding for Stefany’s campaign.
Former Obama administration VA official Maura Sullivan, who finished second in the 2018 NH-01 Democratic primary behind Chris Pappas, is already campaigning for the nomination.
“I welcome everyone who wants to stand up to Donald Trump and help Democrats take back the House,” Sullivan said in response to the news. “I’ve spent my life serving—from the streets of Fallujah to the halls of the Pentagon to ensuring Granite State veterans get the help that they need.
“As we say in the Marines, ‘Marines run toward the fight,’ and that’s exactly what I’m doing—ready to earn every vote across the First District and win this race so we can lower costs and protect our freedoms here in the Granite State.”
Republicans wasted no time targeting Stefany Shaheen.
“Nepo baby Stefany Shaheen is a D.C. elitist who is committed to the Democrats’ radical agenda that makes life more expensive and less safe. Granite Staters will resoundingly reject her and her out-of-touch policies,” said National Republican Congressional Committee spokeswoman Maureen O’Toole
“The name says it all: Shaheen,” added New Hampshire Republican Party Chairman Jim MacEachern.
“Stefany will go to Washington and vote for every tax hike D.C. Democrats push her way. When it comes to higher taxes, the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree.”
While Shaheen comes from a political family, her record in politics is relatively limited. She served briefly on the Portsmouth City Council and was elected to serve on the city’s police commission. And she was appointed by Democratic Gov. John Lynch to serve on the New Hampshire Commission on the Status of Women.
Nevertheless, many Granite State Republicans believe she’s the strongest candidate in the Democratic primary field.
“Stefany Shaheen will be an extremely strong candidate. I wouldn’t be surprised if she ultimately clears the Democratic field,” said GOP consultant Patrick Hynes.
Shaheen released a list of endorsements after her announcement.
“Stefany Shaheen became Chair of the Police Commission during an incredibly challenging time. We were navigating the COVID-19 pandemic, which brought new threats to public safety. She was a steady and strong force always fighting to ensure that we had the resources we needed while engaging and informing the community,” said Mark Newport, Portsmouth Police Chief.
