Epstein Documents Shake New Hampshire Politics: Dean Kamen’s Ties Draw Scrutiny for Shaheen and Sununu Families

Documents released by the U.S. Department of Justice linking entrepreneur Dean Kamen to Jeffrey Epstein have triggered fresh political fallout in New Hampshire, intensifying scrutiny of the state’s two most prominent political families.

The disclosures include photos and emails that suggest Kamen — the inventor of the Segway and important medical devices — maintained contact with Epstein after Epstein’s 2008 guilty plea for soliciting prostitution of a minor. Newly released material indicates Kamen may have visited Epstein’s Caribbean island in 2013. Kamen has not been accused of any criminal wrongdoing and has denied knowledge of Epstein’s crimes beyond what the public learned in news reports.

What the Documents Show

Photos published in December show Kamen socializing with Epstein in a tropical setting and standing near Ghislaine Maxwell, Epstein’s convicted associate. A tranche of documents released on Jan. 30 includes emails and planning notes — including an assistant’s reference to "which flight Dean prefers the girls to be on" — and a message from Kamen thanking Epstein for "hosting an incredible visit to a magical place." Those exchanges prompted questions about the nature of Kamen’s interactions with Epstein.

Institutional Reactions and Investigations

In response to the releases, several organizations tied to Kamen have said they are conducting independent reviews. Kamen recused himself from board activities at at least four companies while outside law firms perform investigations. His public statements so far have described his interactions with Epstein as "limited" and have emphasized that he was unaware of Epstein’s criminal actions beyond media reporting.

Political Fallout in New Hampshire

The disclosures have placed pressure on politicians who worked with Kamen, accepted his donations, or helped secure federal funding for his ventures. Two influential New Hampshire political dynasties — the Shaheens (Democrats) and the Sununus (Republicans) — have seen members or allies drawn into the controversy.

Stefany Shaheen, the leading candidate in the Democratic primary for New Hampshire’s 1st Congressional District and daughter of Sen. Jeanne Shaheen, worked as chief strategy officer for Kamen’s Advanced Regenerative Manufacturing Institute (ARMI) until recently. Opponents have seized on photos and past ties to demand transparency and public condemnation of Kamen; Stefany Shaheen and her campaign deny wrongdoing and say the criticisms are politically motivated.

John E. Sununu, a former U.S. senator running for his old seat, has faced questions stemming from a 2010 email in the files in which Epstein wrote that "john sununu, has good stories." The reference lacks context and it is unclear whether Epstein meant the younger Sununu or his father, John H. Sununu. John E. Sununu previously worked for one of Kamen’s companies in the 1990s and his campaign says he had no knowledge of any relationship between Kamen and Epstein.

Other Political Connections

Kamen has been a behind-the-scenes donor and host of political figures for decades. Federal records show he donated roughly $90,000 to federal candidates and committees across both parties over about 40 years, including contributions to Jeanne Shaheen, John E. Sununu and former Sen. Kelly Ayotte. He has hosted politicians at his Bedford home and at his companies, and his organizations have received federal grants that drew praise from multiple members of New Hampshire’s congressional delegation.

Campaign Responses

Campaigns for candidates named in the documents have pushed back. Stefany Shaheen’s campaign says she did not advise Kamen on statements about the files and that she followed ethics guidance when ARMI received federal support. Sen. Jeanne Shaheen said Kamen’s decision to step back from organizational roles was appropriate and supported independent reviews. Spokespeople for John Sununu say neither he nor his father had any contact with Epstein or Maxwell.

“Anywhere Epstein pops up these days, it’ll become a campaign issue,” said GOP strategist Ryan Williams, reflecting the heightened sensitivity around the files.

What’s Next

Independent reviews by Kamen-affiliated organizations are ongoing, and political opponents are likely to continue using the files as a campaign issue. Polling so far still shows Stefany Shaheen with a strong lead in the Democratic primary and John Sununu ahead in the Republican primary, but both campaigns now face reputational questions that could shift dynamics as investigations and reporting continue.

Note: This article summarizes publicly released documents and statements. Dean Kamen has not been accused of criminal conduct in connection with these disclosures.