Conway, N.H. – Voters in New Hampshire’s 1st Congressional District gathered at the Mount Washington Valley Economic Council on Monday for a lively debate between Democratic nominee Stefany Shaheen and Republican challenger Anthony DiLorenzo. Both candidates used the forum to attack each other’s record, raise questions about campaign contributions, and highlight how President Trump’s agenda is shaping the race.
Resume attacks and personal stories
DiLorenzo opened by questioning Shaheen’s experience, saying, “Voters come up to me every day and ask, ‘What has she done?’ If her last name weren’t Shaheen, she wouldn’t be on the ballot.” Shaheen responded by recounting her early work history, noting she began working at her aunt’s store at age 13 and funded her college education as a waitress. She emphasized that her long‑term community involvement gives her a solid foundation to represent the district.
Campaign donations under scrutiny
The debate turned to fundraising. DiLorenzo claimed Shaheen’s largest donation came from “Reid Hoffman, $1 million, tied to the Epstein files,” suggesting a questionable source of support. Shaheen dismissed the allegation, stating she has no knowledge of such a contribution and that the claim is unfounded. She also pointed out that President Trump has contributed “hundreds of thousands of dollars” to her opponent’s campaign, underscoring the national attention the race has attracted.
Policy differences: health care, data centers and the Trump agenda
Both candidates addressed substantive policy issues. Shaheen advocated for expanding health‑care access and expressed caution about the rapid growth of data centers in the state, citing potential environmental impacts. DiLorenzo, aligning with President Trump’s agenda, praised the administration’s focus on energy independence, deregulation and support for small‑business growth. He argued that Trump’s policies are creating jobs and protecting New Hampshire families, a message that resonates with many voters who value traditional economic stewardship.
Looking ahead to the Granite State Debates
Following the Conway event, WMUR will host additional Granite State Debates. The 2nd District candidates will appear Wednesday at 8 p.m., followed by U.S. Senate hopefuls at 9 p.m. Thursday’s lineup returns to the 1st District at 8 p.m., with the gubernatorial nominees taking the stage at 9 p.m. All debates will be streamed live on WMUR‑TV, WMUR.com, the WMUR mobile app, Very Local and YouTube, giving Granite Staters ample opportunity to hear directly from those seeking office.
Community impact
Local residents expressed a desire for clear answers on how each candidate will protect families, uphold constitutional freedoms and support the state’s economic future. The debate highlighted the importance of informed voting as the midterm election approaches, reinforcing the role of community engagement in shaping New Hampshire’s representation in Washington.
Original reporting: WMUR (Hearst) – local news — read the source article.
