MANCHESTER, NH — First Congressional District candidate Stefany Shaheen visited Manchester on Thursday, calling for refunds to small businesses and consumers who paid tariffs imposed during former President Donald Trump’s administration that she described as illegal.
Shaheen, a Democrat, spoke to supporters and voters at the Puritan Backroom, joined by former New Hampshire Gov. John Lynch, Manchester Aldermen Dan O’Neil and Jason Bonilla, and several local officials and community leaders who announced their endorsements.
Shaheen has repeatedly criticized the tariffs, which she says increased costs for businesses and consumers. Following a recent U.S. Supreme Court ruling striking down the tariffs, she said the federal government should refund the estimated $175 billion paid by Americans — not just large corporations pursuing reimbursement through lawsuits.
“We need to call these tariffs what they are — an illegal Trump tax jacking up everything we buy to the tune of $175 billion,” Shaheen said. “The American people are owed a refund, and it’s critical that small businesses on Main Streets across New Hampshire get their money back, not just the corporations that can afford to go to court.”
Shaheen also emphasized her ties to the state and her experience as a business owner and mother of four, saying those experiences shape her approach to representing New Hampshire families and businesses.
Shaheen’s political pedigree as daughter of former New Hampshire governor and current U.S. Sen. Jeanne Shaheen helps with name recognition, but she’s leaning into her own professional resume – as a New Hampshire native and business woman, youth sports coach, city councilor and police commissioner – as well as her role as mother of a daughter living with a chronic health condition.
After tariffs, for Shaheen, a top priority is affordable healthcare, should voters send her to Washington, D.C.
“I’m going to fight very hard to bring about change for health care. We need to make sure people can afford quality accessible heath care, and that starts on day one,” Shaheen said. “I’ve been a champion for health care for the last 18 years of my life, since my daughter, Elle, was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes, and I really think that experience is what’s needed.”
The Manchester stop drew support from several local leaders who highlighted Shaheen’s background in small business, municipal service, and economic development in the city.
Lynch said Shaheen understands the challenges New Hampshire businesses face and has shown she is willing to stand up for local workers and entrepreneurs.
Manchester Alderman-at-Large Dan O’Neil pointed to Shaheen’s long involvement in the city, including raising her family locally, serving on city boards, coaching youth sports, and helping support the growth of Manchester’s biotechnology sector in the Millyard.
Ward 5 Alderman Jason Bonilla said Shaheen’s focus on community involvement and practical problem-solving reflects the kind of leadership often found at the local level.
Other supporters, including local educators, legislators and community leaders, praised Shaheen’s mix of private-sector and public-service experience and said they believe she would advocate for working families, economic opportunity and community investment in Washington.
Shaheen is running for the New Hampshire 1st Congressional District seat, which opened after Congressman Chris Pappas announced his campaign for the U.S. Senate. According to federal filings, Shaheen is among five Democrats and five Republicans who have entered the race so far.
A full list of endorsements follows.
- Dick Anagnost
- Jason Bonilla, Alderman Ward 5
- Karina Bonilla
- Karen Bozoian
- Tom Bozoian
- Diane Brown
- Daniel Calegari
- Colleen Clayton
- John Clayton
- Patty Cornell, State Representative
- Rik Cornell
- Diane Davidson
- Corey Doherty
- John Doherty
- Sean Doyle
- Syl Dupuis, Former Manchester Mayor
- Jerome Duval
- Joan Flurey
- Mary Freitas, Former State Representative
- Mary Georges, State Representative
- Ginny Greer
- Heidi Hamer, State Representative
- Gary Hamer, School Board Ward 10
- Geoff Hamer
- Travis Harker
- Mary Heath, Former State Representative
- Patricia Hicks
- Mark Hopkins
- Pauline Ikawa
- Will Kanteres
- Robert Leclair
- Meryl Levin
- Patrick Long, State Representative
- Linda MacLean
- Karen McGonagle
- Deb Miller
- Glory Mukendi
- Christine Munz
- Danny O’Neil, Alderman At-Large
- Letizia Ortiz
- David Preece, State Representative
- John Rist
- Denise Rudman
- Steve Rudman
- Ámbar Ruiz
- Rich Sigel
- Sarah Sigel
- Kendall Snow
- Stan Spirou
- Kathy Sullivan, Former NHDP Chairwoman
- Bill Weidacher
- Donna Zangril
- Gabi Zolla
- William Zolla