Stefany Shaheen, a Democratic candidate for New Hampshire’s 1st Congressional District, released a statement Sunday condemning the deal Republicans offered Democrats to end the government shutdown, a deal that her own mother, Sen. Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), agreed to later that same day and defended on Fox News Monday.
The shutdown kicked off 41 days ago after Democrats refused to support any spending bills that did not include an extension to Obamacare subsidies, which, if allowed to expire, will see an estimated 4 million Americans lose health insurance and premiums more than double for millions.
While Senate Democrats held firm in their demands, Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-SD) offered them a deal: vote for a spending bill to re-open the government, and he would ensure that a vote on the health subsidies would take place in December. While not a member of Congress, Stafany Shaheen condemned the deal, and urged Congress to reject it.
Her own mother would go on to accept the deal just hours later, alongside seven other moderate Senate Democrats, giving Republicans enough votes to overcome the 60-vote threshold required in the Senate.
“Thanksgiving going to be awkward,” wrote X user “Bot bot,” who’s frequently shared content critical of the Trump administration.
“Girl call your mom get off Twitter,” wrote another X user, “Taylor,” a social media strategist and former publicist, according to their profile.
Despite the deal running afoul of Democrats’ demand, Sen. Shaheen insisted that it was necessary to cave to Republicans’ demands as a means to put an end to the disruptions to air travel and food assistance caused by the government shutdown, telling Fox News Monday that it was time to “get this economy moving again.”
Sen. Shaheen faced a wave of condemnation for having caved to Republicans, and her daughter was not spared.
“Your mom voted for this so good luck with Thanksgiving this year when you have traitors in your family,” wrote X user “Fig,” a self-described writer and political commentator who’s amassed more than 1,300 followers.Your mother betrayed us and unfortunately you might just have to pay the political price for that so she can realize just how enraged the rest of us are. https://t.co/hiJSZoAQV7
— proqmatic 🗽 (@proqmatic) November 10, 2025