Overview

• Chris Pappas, a four-term congressman from New Hampshire, announced his candidacy for the U.S. Senate seat being vacated by Senator Jeanne Shaheen in 2026.
• Pappas framed his campaign around addressing economic challenges, protecting democracy, and prioritizing New Hampshire's values and communities.
• Jeanne Shaheen, who has served in politics for 50 years and as both governor and senator, announced her retirement in March 2025, citing it was time to step aside.
• Chris Sununu, former New Hampshire governor and a prominent Republican, is reportedly considering entering the race, though no Republican candidates have officially declared yet.
• Pappas, a Manchester native and small business owner, is New Hampshire's first openly gay member of Congress and has served on the Veterans’ Affairs and Transportation and Infrastructure Committees.