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Democrat Chris Pappas has defeated Republican former Senator John E. Sununu in New Hampshire, becoming the first openly gay man elected to the United States Senate.
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The victory preserves the Democratic Party’s hold on the seat vacated by retiring Senator Jeanne Shaheen, as Democrats regain control of the Senate.
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President Donald Trump had endorsed Sununu, making the contest a closely watched test of the president’s political influence in the state.
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Pappas criticised the Trump administration over healthcare cuts, tariffs and the war in Iran, describing his victory as a warning to corporate interests and politicians backing the president.
November 4, (THEWILL) – Democrat Chris Pappas has made history in the United States after defeating Republican former Senator, John E. Sununu, in New Hampshire’s Senate election, becoming the first openly gay man elected to the upper chamber of the US Congress.
Pappas, 46, has represented New Hampshire’s First Congressional District in the House of Representatives since 2019. His election marks a significant milestone in LGBTQ representation in American politics, although he is not the first openly LGBTQ person to serve in the Senate.
Democratic Senator, Tammy Baldwin of Wisconsin became the first openly gay woman elected to the chamber in 2012, while former Senator Kyrsten Sinema of Arizona served as an openly bisexual member.
Pappas’ victory also represents a setback for Trump, who endorsed Sununu in the race. The president’s backing became a major campaign issue as Pappas repeatedly sought to link the Republican candidate to the administration’s economic and foreign policies.
The contest attracted considerable national attention because of its implications for the balance of power in Washington. Republicans had hoped to regain a foothold in New Hampshire, while Democrats fought to retain the seat as part of their effort to secure a Senate majority.
During the campaign, Pappas accused the Trump administration of worsening the economic difficulties confronting American households through its tariff policies, healthcare cuts and handling of the war in Iran.
He also portrayed Sununu as a candidate who, despite presenting himself as an independent-minded Republican, would ultimately support Trump’s agenda.
Sununu, a former congressman and senator who represented New Hampshire in the Senate from 2003 to 2009, sought to distance himself from some of the president’s positions. He criticised aspects of the administration’s trade and foreign policies while arguing that his experience in Washington made him better equipped to represent the state.
Despite the differences, Trump formally endorsed him, providing the Republican with support from the president and his political network.
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Speaking to supporters after his victory was projected, Pappas described the result as a rejection of corporate influence and politicians who had supported policies he considered harmful to ordinary Americans.
“Tonight’s results are a wake-up call for corporate special interests and billionaires who have been rigging the economy, for the cowards in Congress who have enabled health care cuts, tariffs, and war”, he said.
He added that voters in New Hampshire and across the country were demanding a change in political direction.
Pappas also thanked Sununu for conceding and pledged to represent residents regardless of their political affiliations.
His husband, Vann Bentley, stood beside him during the victory address. Acknowledging Bentley’s support, Pappas said: “Win, lose, or draw, I’m the luckiest guy because I’m married to a man that I love.”
The remark drew cheers from supporters at the election gathering in Manchester.
Pappas’ political career spans more than two decades. Before entering Congress, he served in the New Hampshire state legislature, worked as Hillsborough County treasurer and was a member of the state’s Executive Council.
He is also a co-chair of the Congressional Equality Caucus and has been involved in legislative efforts concerning LGBTQ rights and protections against discrimination.
His election adds a historic dimension to the 2026 midterm results, which have seen Democrats regain control of the Senate and make significant gains in other contests.
Pappas is expected to assume his new position in January 2027, succeeding Shaheen as New Hampshire’s next United States senator.
Felix Ifijeh is a journalist with years of professional reporting experience. Known for his keen news sense, compelling storytelling and commitment to accurate, impactful reporting, he has built a reputation for turning leads into clear, engaging, and well-structured reports that resonate with readers. His work reflects deep newsroom experience and a commitment to accurate, impactful journalism.
