I’m running for Senate because at this pivotal moment, our economy, our democracy, and our way of life are on the line. New Hampshire deserves a Senator who is grounded in the people, places, and values of this state. Granite Staters know my record of taking on the big fights and looking out for them- pushing for tax cuts for working families and small businesses, taking on predatory companies and corporate polluters, and standing up to Big Pharma to lower drug costs.

Our country is at a crossroads, and the decisions we make now will have generational impacts. You can count on me to continue taking on big fights and to confront the Trump Administration, self-dealing billionaires, and extreme politicians who are threatening our future and our ability to get things done for New Hampshire.  (Campaign Announcement. YouTube. 4/3/25)

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To hear directly from Rep. Pappas, watch this short video:

Chris Pappas calls Scott Brown "pathetic..."
 

BACKGROUND AND EXPERIENCE

Chris Pappas has represented New Hampshire’s 1st Congressional District since 2019, recognized by the Lugar Center in ‘23 as the third most bipartisan Democrat in Congress. Representing one of the nation’s most competitive districts, he has built a reputation as a pragmatic problem solver.

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Pappas is running to succeed retiring Senator Jeanne Shaheen, who has endorsed him. A New Hampshire native, he first worked on Shaheen’s gubernatorial campaign while in high school. After earning a BA in government from Harvard, he returned to Manchester to help run his family’s restaurant. He served in the New Hampshire House (2002–2006) and on the Executive Council (2007–2019) before his election to Congress.

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Known for results-driven leadership, Pappas has focused on veterans’ affairs, infrastructure, healthcare, community development, reproductive rights, and protecting Social Security and Medicare. In Congress, he is ranking member of the House Veterans’ Affairs Economic Opportunity Subcommittee and serves on the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee.

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Pappas is the first openly gay man to represent New Hampshire in Congress. He lives in Manchester with his husband, Vann.

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ON THE ISSUES

• Defending democracy and standing up to political extremism and special interests

• Expanding access to affordable healthcare

• Combating the opioid epidemic

• Creating jobs and lowering costs for working families

• Investing in infrastructure and clean energy

• Advancing LGBTQ+ rights, equality, and reproductive freedom

• Building bipartisan solutions to critical challenges

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NEW HAMPSHIRE POLITICAL LANDSCAPE​

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Nationally, New Hampshire is generally considered a moderate “swing” state.

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There are two declared Republican candidates for this open seat. These are Scott Brown, former US Senator (MA) and Ambassador; and former US Senator (NH) John E. Sununu. They are expected to compete in the 9/8/2026 New Hampshire primary.

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The Senate race is expected to be highly competitive. As of August 9, both the Cook Political Report and Sabato’s Crystal Ball rate the race Lean Democrat—competitive, but with a slight advantage for Pappas.

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