Chris Pappas to Run for New Hampshire Senate Seat
The four-term congressman hopes to succeed retiring Senator Jeanne Shaheen in the November 2026 election.
Updated on Oct. 23, 2026 in LGBTQ+
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Representative Chris Pappas is launching a campaign for the U.S. Senate seat in New Hampshire, setting up a November 2026 contest with former Senator John E. Sununu. If successful, the 46-year-old would become the first openly gay man to serve in the U.S. Senate.
Why it matters
Both political parties consider the New Hampshire Senate contest critical to determining the future balance of power in Washington. The race is unfolding as an opportunity to fill the seat vacated by retiring Senator Jeanne Shaheen.
Chris Pappas is 46 years old and has served four terms in the House of Representatives since beginning his tenure in the 1st District in 2019. He first entered politics at age 22.
The players
Chris Pappas
A 46-year-old Democratic congressman who has served four terms representing New Hampshire's 1st Congressional District.
John E. Sununu
A former U.S. Senator who is campaigning for the same Senate seat in the upcoming election.
Jeanne Shaheen
The incumbent U.S. Senator who is retiring, leaving her seat open for the upcoming contest.
Tammy Baldwin
The Wisconsin politician who made history as the first openly gay person elected to the U.S. Senate in 2012.
Vann Bentley
The husband of Representative Chris Pappas.
The details
Pappas, a Harvard University graduate and co-owner of the Puritan Backroom restaurant, previously served as the Hillsborough County treasurer. Throughout his current campaign, he has focused on issues including healthcare, affordability, and government accountability while maintaining that his spouse, Vann Bentley, does not share his professional activities.
Timeline
2004: Pappas gave his first speech in the New Hampshire Legislature.
2007: New Hampshire legalized civil unions.
2009: New Hampshire legalized same-sex marriage.
2018: Pappas won his election to Congress.
October 22, 2026: The New York Times published a profile of Pappas.
Culture Shift
This race follows the precedent set by the 2012 election of Tammy Baldwin, which established the first instance of an openly gay person serving in the U.S. Senate. A victory for Pappas would mark a significant milestone in expanding LGBTQ representation within the federal government.
The Senate race will require New Hampshire voters to evaluate candidates on platforms of healthcare and economic affordability. Residents should monitor upcoming campaign developments as the candidates define their policies for the state and federal government.
The takeaway
The upcoming New Hampshire Senate contest highlights the growing political profile of LGBTQ candidates in high-stakes federal races. Voters should carefully review candidate platforms as the election approaches in November 2026.
Further reading
For more on the state's political climate and LGBTQ issues, see the New Hampshire LGBTQand section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by The National Herald.
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