Democratic Congressman Chris Pappas sets his sights on a new political frontier in New Hampshire's political landscape.
According to The Daily Caller, Pappas announced his candidacy for the 2026 Senate race on Thursday, aiming to fill the seat of retiring Democratic Sen. Jeanne Shaheen.
The announcement follows Shaheen's March declaration that she would not seek reelection, opening up a crucial battleground for both parties. Pappas, who made history as New Hampshire's first openly gay congressman, positions himself as a fighter for working families and small businesses.
The Democratic Party faces mounting challenges as several senior senators announce their retirement plans ahead of the 2026 midterms. Among those stepping down are Michigan Sen. Gary Peters and Minnesota Sen. Tina Smith, creating potential vulnerabilities for the party's Senate majority.
Pappas' campaign emphasizes his record of challenging big corporations and advocating for lower drug costs. His message resonates with traditional Democratic values while attempting to appeal to New Hampshire's independent voters.
In his video announcement, Pappas shared his vision for representing New Hampshire:
Granite Staters know my record of taking on the big fights and looking out for them – pushing tax cuts for working families and small businesses, taking on predatory companies and corporate polluters, and standing up to Big Pharma to lower drug costs. Like Senator Shaheen, I'll always put New Hampshire first.
The Senate race has already attracted attention from various political figures. Democratic Rep. Maggie Goodlander and former Rep. Annie Kuster emerge as potential primary challengers, while Republicans eye former Massachusetts Sen. Scott Brown and former New Hampshire Gov. Chris Sununu as possible candidates.
The National Republican Senatorial Committee quickly criticized Pappas' candidacy, highlighting his controversial positions on transgender athletes in women's sports and environmental policies. Critics point to his opposition to the Protection of Women and Girls in Sports Act as evidence of his progressive stance.
Pappas defended his position on transgender rights, stating:
Banning trans women and girls from participating in sports and allowing schools to directly discriminate against students on the basis of their gender identity would do lasting harm not just to them, but our communities as a whole. I strongly oppose this legislation, which is the latest in a series of bigoted, harmful attacks on the transgender community.
New Hampshire's political landscape presents a complex challenge for both parties. The state's narrow margin in the 2024 presidential election, where Vice President Kamala Harris secured 50.9% of the vote compared to President Trump's 48.1%, underscores its battleground status.
Democrats face additional hurdles following significant losses in the 2024 election cycle and declining approval ratings among voters. The party struggles to craft a unified message that resonates with the electorate.
Pappas' legislative record includes support for expanding Medicaid coverage, LGBTQ equality, clean energy initiatives, and protecting Planned Parenthood funding, positioning him as a progressive candidate in a moderate state.
Rep. Chris Pappas launches his Senate campaign amid a shifting political landscape in New Hampshire, seeking to succeed retiring Sen. Jeanne Shaheen in the 2026 election. The race promises intense competition as both parties view the seat as crucial for Senate control, with multiple high-profile candidates considering their entry into the contest. The outcome could significantly impact the balance of power in Congress and shape New Hampshire's political future
