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.