DOVER, N.H. —
As 2025 comes to a close, the Democratic front-runner in New Hampshire’s 1st Congressional District race is continuing to consolidate support.
Stefany Shaheen is showcasing hyperlocal endorsements, with five Dover mayors, whose leadership dates back to the 1970s, and the city’s mayor-elect backing her campaign.
Some of the endorsing mayors have longstanding ties to the Shaheen family.
“Well, the Shaheen name is extremely important in Dover. I mean, obviously, it’s part of the Lebanese community. My family, I’m Alex Nossiff, is part of the Lebanese community, and a very tight-knit community. So, I think it means an awful lot in Dover,” said Alex Nossiff, a former Dover mayor.
While the family’s roots run deep, the mayors said their support is focused on Shaheen’s leadership and independence.
“This endorsement is about Stefany, and I think she really demonstrated her independence just a little while ago, when she didn’t follow in the same path that her mother took when it came to resolving the shutdown. And I felt that was a significant uptick for her, that she’s her own mind, she’s thinking her own way, and that kind of independence is absolutely vital in New Hampshire,” said Dennis Shanahan, Dover’s mayor-elect.
In November, Shaheen’s polling lead showed little change following her policy disagreement with her mother, Sen. Jeanne Shaheen, over the government shutdown.
Her lead has remained strong despite attacks from primary opponents tied to the senator’s decision.
Dover mayors said concerns about a political dynasty are not a major factor for most Democratic primary voters.
“Vote for her not because of what her last name is, vote for her because of what she’s done and what she’s going to do,” said Wil Boc, a former Dover mayor.
As Shaheen finishes the year in what appears to be a solid position, she said she understands the race will only get tougher.
“Look, I’m working hard every day. That will be for the voters to decide. We’re going to go community by community, person by person, living room by living room to connect to people and to focus on the fights that we know are impacting people,” Stefany Shaheen said.
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