U.S. Senate, New Hampshire

Open seat

In office, Congressman Pappas has supported countless commonsense, lifesaving gun safety measures, including legislation to implement universal background checks on all gun sales and close the Charleston Loophole, keep firearms out of the hands of individuals who have committed domestic abuse, and adequately fund research into the root causes of gun violence.

Rep. Chris Pappas is the best choice to succeed Sen. Jeanne Shaheen. He is, like her, a steadfast supporter of reproductive freedom and access to the full range of reproductive health care for people throughout New Hampshire, across the United States, and around the world.

Since being elected as the representative for New Hampshire’s 1st congressional district in 2018, Congressman Pappas has been a steadfast defender of reproductive health and rights. He has co-sponsored the Global Health, Empowerment, and Rights (HER) Act and the Support UNFPA Funding Act, and defended domestic family planning programs like Title X.

Congressman Pappas has also been a champion of the #Fight4HER campaign since his first election. During his time in Congress, he has met with #Fight4HER volunteers to discuss the importance of international family planning programs, and has even attended our Summer of HER Summits in Manchester. He demonstrates a clear commitment to his constituents.

We are looking forward to supporting Congressman Pappas in his race to represent New Hampshire in the Senate!

Currently House member, fiercely dedicated to labor issues

Following Senator Jeanne Shaheen's retirement, Democrats are positioned to benefit from the significant momentum in the state that supported Harris during the 2024 election.

Rep. Chris Pappas made history in 2018 as the first openly LGBTQ person ever elected to federal office from New Hampshire. He made history again in 2020 as the first incumbent to win reelection from this district in more than a decade. Chris is running to represent New Hampshire in the Senate and when elected will be the first openly gay man ever elected to the chamber.

“Throughout his time in Congress, Chris Pappas has been a strong voice and advocate for New Hampshire’s public school educators and our students,” said Megan Tuttle, President of NEA-New Hampshire. “NEA-New Hampshire is proud to recommend Chris Pappas for the United States Senate because we know he will continue to partner with educators and communities to ensure that every student has access to safe, just, and high-quality public schools, colleges, and universities. Granite State students, educators, and families can count on Chris to keep advocating for them in the Senate.” Congressman Pappas led the fight to restore $27 million in federal education funds for New Hampshire withheld by the Trump Administration. He has stood firm against ongoing efforts in Washington to dismantle public education and prevent federal resources from getting to our students, educators, and communities.

He is the fighter Granite Staters need in the Senate who will deliver results for working families.

The Granite State's post-Labor Day primary set up a contest between John Sununu, who held this seat for one term in the 2000s, and a Democrat congressman first elected in 2018, Chris Pappas.

New Hampshire has become a reliable blue state at the presidential level but it has a GOP legislature and a GOP Governor, Kelly Ayotte, on her way to an easy reelection. After reviewing private polls of the race with operatives from both parties, the Cook Political Report changed their race rating from Leans Democrat to Toss-up.

Democrats can't afford to lose this seat but, they realize now that it's possible. Republicans need to muster strongly in support of our candidate in this late-breaking race to press our strategic advantage!

Chris Pappas has earned the support of working people in New Hampshire through years of standing with us when it matters. From his time on the Executive Council to his service in Congress, Chris has consistently listened to workers, respected organized labor, and fought to protect the right to organize and bargain collectively. His support for the bipartisan Faster Labor Contracts Act is just the latest example. Chris understands that winning a union election should mean something—and that workers shouldn’t have to wait years for a first contract because an employer chooses to drag out the process. We know Chris. We know his record. And we know that when working people need someone in their corner, he shows up. That’s why I’m proud to endorse Chris Pappas for the United States Senate.

• Open Seat