Cynthia Jeanne Shaheen is the senior United States senator from New Hampshire, serving since 2009. A longtime figure in Granite State politics, she previously served as governor from 1997 to 2003 after winning election in 1996 and reelection in 1998 and 2000.
Born January 28, 1947, in St. Charles, Missouri, she earned a bachelor's degree from Shippensburg University and a master's degree from the University of Mississippi. She worked as an educator before moving to New Hampshire in 1973 and becoming active in public service and campaign politics.
Shaheen built her brand around practical governance, education and workforce priorities, and bipartisan deal making. In the Senate, she is often described as a pragmatic center left Democrat with a strong focus on deliverables for New Hampshire, including small business, veterans, and energy and cost issues.
She has served as dean of New Hampshire's congressional delegation since 2011. She was reelected to the Senate in 2014 and 2020, and later announced she would not seek reelection in 2026.
Moderate Democrat
Committee Assignments
Caucus Memberships
Achievements
- First woman in U.S. history elected both governor and U.S. senator of the same state.
- Served three terms as governor and helped shape education and workforce priorities in New Hampshire.
- Built a Senate profile on bipartisan work, including health care and Medicare focused initiatives.
- Led and supported clean energy and energy efficiency efforts aimed at lowering household and business costs.
- Longstanding advocate for veterans, small business, and export and manufacturing support for New Hampshire.
Controversies
- Criticized by progressives at times for prioritizing incremental bipartisan deals over larger reforms.
- Faced scrutiny during her governorship over tax and revenue debates in a no sales tax state.
- Foreign policy positioning can draw cross pressure, including more hawkish stances than many Democrats.
- Has navigated recurring tensions between climate goals and near term cost and competitiveness concerns.
- Periodically targeted by opponents over ethics and access narratives tied to Washington relationships.
Top Donors
| Donor | Total | Individuals | PACs |
|---|---|---|---|
| EMILY's List | $1,388,205 | $1,363,853 | $24,352 |
| State of New Hampshire | $153,136 | $153,136 | $0 |
| JStreetPAC | $148,422 | $147,277 | $1,145 |
| League of Conservation Voters | $148,191 | $131,484 | $16,707 |
| Harvard University | $135,876 | $135,876 | $0 |
Amounts shown reflect organization linked giving; most funds listed here are from individual donors or aligned PACs.
Recent Elections
2008 Margin D +6%
2014 Margin D +3%
2020 Margin D +15%