In a pivotal moment for New Hampshire politics, U.S. Rep. Chris Pappas has secured the Democratic nomination for the U.S. Senate seat currently held by retiring Sen. Jeanne Shaheen. This victory not only advances Pappas to a fiercely contested general election but also brings him one step closer to making LGBTQ+ history.
The race was called by Decision Desk HQ at 8:00 p.m. Eastern on Tuesday, with Pappas receiving 60.08% of the vote and his closest rival, progressive medical scientist Karishma Manzur, garnering 38.36%. This win positions Pappas to compete against former New Hampshire Sen. John E. Sununu, who was projected as the Republican nominee at the same time with 70% of the vote.
Pappas’ Path to Victory
Pappas entered the race as the frontrunner, bolstered by a significant fundraising advantage and endorsements from prominent figures such as Sen. Jeanne Shaheen, Sen. Maggie Hassan, and former Vice President Kamala Harris. His campaign also received backing from major LGBTQ+ political organizations, underscoring his strong support within the community.
Despite facing a late challenge from Manzur, who narrowed Pappas’ polling lead by focusing on healthcare, corporate influence, and his support from donors aligned with the pro-Israel lobbying group AIPAC, Pappas’ extensive experience and established network ultimately prevailed. His victory was celebrated by the human rights Campaign (HRC), which played a crucial role in mobilizing Equality Voters across New Hampshire.
The Significance of Pappas’ Candidacy
If elected in November, Pappas would become the first out gay man to serve in the U.S. Senate, joining a small but growing list of LGBTQ+ senators in U.S. history. This milestone reflects the evolving political landscape and the increasing representation of diverse voices in American politics.
Pappas’ record includes cochairing the Congressional Equality Caucus, cosponsoring the Equality Act, and advocating for LGBTQ+ veterans. His advocacy has drawn both praise and scrutiny, particularly regarding his support for a 2024 defense bill that prohibited Tricare from covering gender-affirming care for transgender minors. Pappas has stated that while he opposed the provision, he backed the larger legislation due to its military pay and shipyard investments.
Looking Ahead to the General Election
The general election will pit Pappas against John E. Sununu, a familiar face in New Hampshire politics. Sununu previously served as a U.S. Senator from 2003 to 2009 and lost his seat to Shaheen in 2008. With President Donald Trump’s endorsement, Sununu aims to reclaim his political influence in the state.
As the campaign progresses, Pappas’ ability to rally support from a broad coalition of voters, including the LGBTQ+ community and other key demographics, will be crucial. The Human Rights Campaign has emphasized the importance of this election in returning a pro-equality majority to the U.S. Senate, highlighting the stakes for LGBTQ+ rights and broader social justice issues.
With the primary season behind him, Pappas now turns his focus to the general election, where he will seek to build on his historic primary victory and secure a place in the Senate. The outcome of this race could have significant implications for the future of New Hampshire and the nation as a whole.
