Out-of-State Donors Provide 83% of New Hampshire Democrats’ Campaign Cash

CONCORD, NH — More than 80% of campaign contributions to New Hampshire Democrats' Federal Candidates this cycle have come from outside the Granite State, with millions flowing in from liberal enclaves such as California, Massachusetts, New York, and Washington, D.C., according to a review of fundraising records.

Of the $3.05 million raised by Democratic candidates, only $506,457 — about 16.6% — came from New Hampshire donors. Nearly $2.55 million came from out-of-state sources, led by New York ($493,000), Washington, D.C. ($445,000), Massachusetts ($400,000), and California ($350,000). Combined, those four areas represent more than $1.7 million, or two-thirds of all out-of-state contributions.

Among individual candidates, U.S. Rep. Chris Pappas led Democratic fundraising with $1.28 million, of which 83.6% came from outside New Hampshire. His top donor states were New York, Massachusetts, D.C., and California.

Former congressional candidate Maura Sullivan raised $507,401, but just 9.4% came from within New Hampshire. The rest was dominated by donors in Massachusetts and California, reflecting strong ties to Democratic networks in Boston and San Francisco.

Maggie Goodlander, a former U.S. Department of Justice attorney now running for re-election in the 2nd Congressional District, raised $764,571, with 86.8% of her money coming from outside the state — including large shares from Washington, D.C. ($213,719) and New York ($166,609).

Even smaller campaigns reflected the same pattern. Christian Urrutia received 89.8% of his funds from out of state, while Carleigh Beriont reported 78.2%. Only Stefany Shaheen, daughter of US Senator Jeanne Shaheen, showed a relatively balanced portfolio, with 41% of her $291,000 raised coming from New Hampshire residents.

Republicans have pointed to the figures as evidence that national donor networks — not local grassroots supporters — are bankrolling Democratic campaigns in a state known for its independent streak.

Campaign finance data show that New Hampshire Democrats are leaning heavily on fundraising hubs thousands of miles away. California, Massachusetts, New York, and D.C. are among the most liberal political centers in the country and home to the party’s wealthiest contributors and make up the majority of donations to the New Hampshire Democrats.

While accepting out-of-state money is both legal and common in modern campaigns, the concentration of funds from coastal strongholds highlights how New Hampshire’s elections are increasingly shaped by national interests.

With 2026 races for Congress, governor, and the state legislature approaching, Democrats are expected to continue tapping these networks. But the data make one point clear: the financial backbone of New Hampshire’s Democratic Party lies far beyond the state’s borders.