Former Portsmouth City Councilor Says 'No' to Guv Run

PORTSMOUTH, NH - Stefany Shaheen has decided not to run for governor, according to a report on Twitter by WMUR-TV.

The former city councilor, who first ran in 2013, has been toying with the idea since September 2015, after she decided not to run again for council. The daughter of U.S. Sen. Jeanne Shaheen and attorney and activist Bill Shaheen, a powerful political couple in New Hampshire, and the author of Elle & Coach: Diabetes, the Fight for My Daughter’s Life, and the Dog Who Changed Everything,” which has garnered national attention, was considered to be a potentially formidable candidate in the Democrat primary later this year.

"Stefany Shaheen is a passionate and devoted leader who truly understands the unique issues facing the Granite State," Ray Buckley, the chairman of the New Hampshire Democratic Party said in a statement. "While serving as Portsmouth City Councilor, she did an exceptional job for her constituents and it's clear she has a bright future ahead of her serving her community and the people of New Hampshire. As we move closer to election season, we at the NHDP feel lucky to have such a talented slate of candidates for governor. Whoever wins the Democratic nomination, their commitment to growing the middle-class and helping everyday Granite Staters will stand in stark contrast to the far-right ideology being pushed by Chris Sununu and the special interests backing his campaign."

Other Democrat candidates for governor include Colin Van Ostern of Concord, an Executive Councilor, and Mark Connolly, the former Deputy Secretary of State and a businessman.

Connolly called commended Shaheen for "her family's long-established legacy of public service and leadership for making New Hampshire a better place to live and work."

He added, “I know she will continue to be an important voice and leader on critical issues facing our state. Granite Staters should be proud we have people like Stefany willing to step up and make a difference in our communities.”

Van Ostern also sent out a statement saying, "I appreciate Stefany's great public service and her ongoing contribution to our state. I look forward to the advice and insight she can offer moving forward on how we can strengthen our communities and build an even stronger New Hampshire economy where everyone has the chance to succeed."

Sununu, another executive councilor, has announced he will be seeking the Republican nomination, along with state Rep. Frank Edelblut, R-Wilton.

Click refresh for updates.