New Hampshire’s Democratic Rep. Chris Pappas, a seasoned political figure since his high school days volunteering for Gov. Jeanne Shaheen, is now vying to succeed her in the U.S. Senate. At 45, the openly gay lawmaker is the frontrunner for the Democratic nomination in 2026 and aims to bring his moderate, consensus-building approach to the upper chamber.
A fourth-generation New Hampshire native, Pappas co-owns the iconic Puritan Backroom restaurant, a longtime political pit stop and birthplace of the chicken tender. He first entered politics at 22, winning a seat in the New Hampshire House of Representatives right after university.
Pappas, who married husband Vance Bentley in 2023, has become a prominent LGBTQ+ voice in Congress, though his vote for the 2023 National Defence Authorisation Act—which included a ban on gender-affirming care for the children of service members—drew criticism. Pappas defended the vote, citing vital defence projects in his district while expressing regret over the provision’s inclusion.
“We need to make sure that everyone is free to be themselves and to get the support they deserve,” Pappas said, reaffirming his support for gender-affirming care.
Speaking on foreign policy, Pappas criticised President Trump’s handling of rising tensions in the Middle East, calling it “more like an episode of a reality show” and urging a focus on diplomacy. “Iran is a state sponsor of terror… but we need to use every diplomatic tool to prevent nuclear proliferation,” he stressed.
Pappas also voiced concern over the Supreme Court’s trajectory following its recent ruling in U.S. v. Skrmetti, which denied equal protection in cases involving gender-affirming care. “Any effort by the court to roll back the progress we’ve made strikes at the core of who we are as Americans,” he said, warning that decisions like Obergefell are at risk.
On the campaign trail, Pappas is focused on economic relief, emphasising the need to “lower costs and make this economy work for everyone.” He also underlined his support for climate action through renewable energy and advocated for broader public service opportunities for young people.
Reflecting on representation in the Senate, Pappas noted, “Right now, Tammy Baldwin is the only out LGBTQ member of the Senate. We have an opportunity to change that.”
Despite criticism during past campaigns—including attacks over Bentley’s former role as a corporate lobbyist—Pappas says he’s ready for the fight ahead. “Politics is tough, but with the support of my husband, we’re prepared.”
As for the future, the couple is considering children and continuing to advocate for a more inclusive, fair, and forward-looking America. “It’s an important moment for full representation,” Pappas said. “That’s what I’m fighting for.”
