Trump-backed businessman Anthony DiLorenzo wins the GOP primary in New Hampshire’s 1st District, setting up a key 2026 House battle.
NEW HAMPSHIRE — Businessman Anthony DiLorenzo has won the Republican primary for New Hampshire’s 1st Congressional District, securing the GOP nomination in a closely watched race that could have major implications for control of the House.
DiLorenzo, an auto dealership owner who received President Donald Trump’s endorsement, defeated Hollie Noveletsky and state Rep. Brian Cole to emerge from the Republican contest.
The victory sets up a November showdown with Democrat Stefany Shaheen, who narrowly won her party’s primary for the open seat.
The race is drawing national attention because Rep. Chris Pappas, D-N.H., is leaving the district to run for the U.S. Senate. His departure has created an opportunity for Republicans to compete for a seat Democrats have held since 2017.
Trump endorsement boosts DiLorenzo
Trump endorsed DiLorenzo ahead of the primary, giving the political newcomer a significant boost in a competitive Republican field.
DiLorenzo entered the race as a businessman rather than a career politician and owns a chain of car dealerships in New Hampshire. His campaign emphasized economic growth, lower costs and a business-oriented approach to government.
The Trump endorsement also positioned the primary as another test of the former president’s influence over Republican voters ahead of the 2026 midterm elections.
DiLorenzo ultimately prevailed comfortably. Election results reported by New Hampshire Public Radio showed him with roughly 51% of the vote, well ahead of Noveletsky at about 26% and Cole at approximately 14%.
Open House seat becomes GOP target
The New Hampshire 1st District has become one of the races Republicans are watching closely.
Pappas has represented the district for four terms but decided to give up his House seat to challenge for the Senate. That decision opened the door for both parties to compete for the seat in November.
The district has traditionally been competitive, although Democrats have held it since 2017. Republicans see the open-seat contest as an opportunity to expand their House majority.
The race will now feature two first-time congressional nominees: DiLorenzo for Republicans and Shaheen for Democrats.
Shaheen narrowly wins Democratic primary
The Republican victory came on the same night as a highly competitive Democratic primary.
Shaheen, the daughter of retiring Democratic Sen. Jeanne Shaheen, narrowly defeated former Obama administration official Maura Sullivan.
Shaheen won about 37% of the vote, compared with roughly 35% for Sullivan, according to results reported by New Hampshire Public Radio.
Her victory means the November election will pit a candidate with strong Democratic family ties against a Trump-backed Republican businessman.
A race to watch in November
The DiLorenzo-Shaheen contest is expected to attract significant attention and campaign spending as both parties battle for every competitive House seat.
For Republicans, DiLorenzo’s victory represents an opportunity to turn Trump’s political support into a House pickup in a traditionally competitive state.
For Democrats, holding the district will be important as the party seeks to regain ground in Congress.
With both nominees now established, the New Hampshire 1st Congressional District enters the general election as one of the key House races to watch in the 2026 midterms.
The contest could ultimately prove important beyond New Hampshire, particularly if control of the House comes down to a handful of closely contested districts.
Also read: Shaheen Wins Key New Hampshire Democratic Primary
