Stefany Shaheen Enters New Hampshire Congressional Race
Stefany Shaheen has announced her candidacy for New Hampshire’s 1st Congressional District, driven by her disapproval of the Trump administration’s appointment of Robert F. Kennedy Jr. as Secretary of Health and Human Services. Shaheen, the daughter of retiring Senator Jeanne Shaheen, expressed her concerns about Kennedy’s stance on vaccines and science, which spurred her decision to run.
Shaheen, a former Portsmouth City Council member and advocate for chronic disease research, is seeking to replace Democratic Rep. Chris Pappas, who is pursuing a U.S. Senate seat. “The first role of government is to protect citizens—the health and safety of the American people,” Shaheen stated, emphasizing her commitment to science-based healthcare policy.
Winning the Democratic primary on September 8, Shaheen will face Republican Anthony DiLorenzo, a Trump supporter with ties to Karoline Leavitt, in the general election. DiLorenzo owns a private island and has been active in political donations.
Personal Motivation for Healthcare Reform
Shaheen’s passion for healthcare reform is deeply rooted in personal experiences. Her grandfather suffered from polio, and her daughter Elle was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes at a young age. These events highlighted for Shaheen the importance of medical research and access to healthcare.
Elle’s diagnosis was a pivotal moment for Shaheen, who recounted the urgency of getting her daughter treatment to prevent a potentially fatal diabetic coma. This personal journey has informed Shaheen’s advocacy for healthcare improvements, including her involvement with Breakthrough T1D, formerly the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation.
Shaheen is concerned about the healthcare challenges facing residents of New Hampshire. Federal policy changes could lead to 29,000 Granite Staters losing Medicaid coverage, and insurance premiums are expected to rise sharply due to cuts in healthcare funding.
Economic Policies and Taxation
Shaheen has criticized the administration’s economic policies, arguing that they disproportionately affect the middle class. She advocates for taxing the ultra-wealthy to alleviate the financial burden on average Americans. “It’s outrageous that teachers, on a percentage basis, pay more in taxes than billionaires,” she said.
She supports expanding tax credit programs to facilitate affordable housing development, drawing from her husband Craig Welch’s experience as the executive director of the Portsmouth Housing Authority.
Opposition to Tariffs and Foreign Policy
Shaheen is vocal against the tariffs imposed by the Trump administration, which she believes harm small businesses in New Hampshire. She highlights the impact on local industries, such as fence companies and coffee roasters, and calls for government intervention to mitigate these effects.
On foreign policy, Shaheen opposes the war in Iran, criticizing it as a dangerous move that risks American lives. She demands transparency and accountability from the administration regarding military actions.
Reproductive Rights Advocacy
Shaheen is a strong proponent of reproductive rights, seeking to restore freedoms she feels have been eroded. “This is about people having the right to choose what happens in their lives and with their bodies,” she emphasized, linking reproductive healthcare to broader healthcare rights.
Family Support in Campaign Efforts
With a history of political involvement, Shaheen’s campaign is a family affair. Her family’s support is unwavering, with her children actively participating in campaign activities, including social media management. As she embarks on her congressional run, Shaheen draws strength from her family’s backing.
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