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Rep. Chris Pappas Announces Bid for Open New Hampshire Senate Seat

Pappas, the first major Democratic candidate, highlights his record and Granite State roots as Republicans eye the seat as a key battleground.

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FILE - Rep. Chris Pappas, D-N.H., addresses supporters at an election night gathering, Tuesday, Nov. 8, 2022, in Manchester, N.H. Pappas faced Republican Karoline Leavitt in his re-election race. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa, File)
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Rep. Chris Pappas, D-N.H., seen here at a news conference outside the Capitol in 2022, is running for Senate. (Bill Clark/CQ Roll Call)

Overview

  • Rep. Chris Pappas officially launched his campaign for the U.S. Senate seat being vacated by retiring Sen. Jeanne Shaheen, marking the first major Democratic entry into the race.
  • Pappas emphasized his record on economic issues, healthcare, and standing up to corporate interests, framing his campaign as a fight for working families and small businesses.
  • If elected, Pappas would make history as the first openly gay man to serve in the U.S. Senate, adding a historic dimension to the race.
  • The Senate race is expected to be highly competitive, with potential Republican contenders including former Gov. Chris Sununu and former Sen. Scott Brown still deliberating their bids.
  • Pappas' decision to run for Senate opens up New Hampshire's 1st Congressional District, a swing seat that has historically flipped between parties, setting off a scramble among Democrats and Republicans.