New Hampshire voters have elected Democratic Representative Chris Pappas to the U.S. Senate, securing a historic victory that makes him the first out gay man ever chosen by voters to serve in the upper chamber. According to projections by Decision Desk HQ, Pappas defeated former Republican Senator John E. Sununu in one of the cycle’s closely watched races.
The contest for the open seat — left vacant by retiring Democratic Senator Jeanne Shaheen — proved to be a critical battleground as both parties vie for control of the Senate. Pappas’ victory defends a vulnerable seat for Democrats, who must pick up four seats to secure a majority. The outcome also marks only the third time in U.S. history that an out LGBTQ+ individual has won election to the Senate, following Tammy Baldwin of Wisconsin in 2013 and Kyrsten Sinema of Arizona.
Pappas stepped into the primary after Shaheen announced she would not seek reelection, defeating progressive challenger Karishma Manzur. Financial tracking from Open Secrets indicated that Pappas outraised Sununu by over $15 million, with both candidates drawing substantial out-of-state contributions. His campaign drew notable cross-party endorsements from figures including the 2022 Republican Senate nominee Don Bolduc and former GOP state Senator Rick Russman.
#NHSEN — John Sununu in a new TV ad: “The way Chris Pappas tells it, I’m President Trump’s long-lost son. I’ve never even met the man." pic.twitter.com/7zgQHNoHZr”
A Moderate Record Meets a Bipartisan Strategy
Pappas previously represented New Hampshire’s 1st Congressional District for four terms beginning in 2019, following two terms in the state House of Representatives. Throughout his time in the House, he built a reputation as a moderate Democrat who frequently broke with his party on votes while maintaining strong backing from labor organizations and abortion rights advocates, earning top ratings from the AFL-CIO and Reproductive Freedom for All.
While his sexual orientation was not the focal point of his campaign, Pappas did not hide his personal life. His campaign launch video featured him and his husband holding hands while discussing plans to help get the country back on track. In the legislative arena, he has served as a co-chair of the Congressional Equality Caucus and sponsored major pro-LGBTQ+ legislation, though his record also encountered scrutiny over supporting the 2024 defense authorization bill despite a provision restricting Tricare coverage for transgender minors’ gender-affirming care.
Sununu Distances Himself from Trump in Final Stretch
Sununu, who previously served in the Senate from 2003 to 2009 before losing his seat to Shaheen in 2008, sought to distance himself from President Donald Trump in the final stretch of the race. In late October, Sununu released an advertisement stating he had never met the president and pledging opposition to the president’s policies if they hurt people in New Hampshire.
Both contenders framed their campaigns around past congressional experience, focusing on affordability, healthcare access, and the protection of Social Security. Sununu did not mention Pappas’ identity as a gay man on the campaign trail, providing a contrast to the personal attacks prevalent in other midterm contests nationwide.
More on New Hampshire
Chris Pappas wins U. S. Senate race in New Hampshire, defeating John E. Sununu and becoming the first openly gay man elected to the Senate pic.twitter.com/3FPRfmEiTy
I’ve spent my life serving Granite Staters – from my family’s restaurant in Manchester to Congress. I’ve fought to lower costs, protect our communities, and hold powerful interests accountable. In the Senate, I’ll keep putting people first and delivering results for New… pic.twitter.com/bpv1LyNsRA
