Christopher Charles Pappas was born on June 4, 1980, in Manchester, New Hampshire, where he continues to live with his husband, Vann Bentley. A product of Manchester public schools and a graduate of Harvard University with a bachelor’s degree in government, Pappas comes from a family deeply rooted in local community life; his family has operated the landmark Puritan Backroom Restaurant for generations. Before entering Congress, he served in multiple elected offices in the Granite State — including two terms in the New Hampshire House of Representatives, four years as Hillsborough County Treasurer, and six years on the New Hampshire Executive Council, where he fought to expand Medicaid, invest in renewable energy, and protect funding for healthcare services.
In 2018, Pappas was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives from New Hampshire’s 1st Congressional District, making history as the first openly gay man elected to Congress from the state and quickly earning a reputation as a pragmatic problem-solver focused on delivering results for everyday Granite Staters. He has championed tax relief for working families and small businesses, efforts to lower prescription-drug costs and crack down on predatory companies, support for veterans, and protection of New Hampshire’s drinking water and public health.
On April 3, 2025, Pappas officially announced his candidacy for the U.S. Senate, seeking to succeed retiring Senator Jeanne Shaheen and build on her legacy of putting New Hampshire first. If elected, he would be the first openly gay man to serve in the U.S. Senate.
Key Issue Stances & Priorities
Chris Pappas has articulated a broad agenda grounded in economic opportunity, fairness, civil rights, and pragmatic governance:
- Affordable Healthcare & Lower Costs — He supports policies to lower prescription-drug prices, expand affordable health insurance coverage, and protect Medicare and Medicaid access for families across New Hampshire.
- Economic Growth & Small Business Support — Drawing on his roots as a small business owner, Pappas focuses on tax cuts for working families and small businesses, strengthening economic opportunity across sectors, and combating corporate predatory practices.
- Veterans, Infrastructure & Rural Development — In Congress, Pappas has pushed for improved veterans’ benefits, bipartisan infrastructure investment, and policies that support rural and small-town New Hampshire communities.
- Reproductive Rights & Civil Liberties — He has been a vocal advocate for protecting reproductive freedoms and civil rights, reflecting his commitment to individual liberties and equitable access to healthcare.
- Environmental Protection & Clean Water — Pappas has fought against pollution, supported stronger environmental safeguards, and backed renewable energy investment to protect New Hampshire’s natural heritage and public health.
- Democratic Values & Bipartisan Solutions — Known for a pragmatic legislative style, he has worked across the aisle on bipartisan initiatives while still standing firm on core Democratic priorities like voting rights and economic fairness.
Accomplishments & Track Record
- Historic Service & Representation — First openly gay man elected to Congress from New Hampshire and potential first openly gay U.S. Senator in history.
- Bipartisan Legislative Leadership — Recognized as one of the most bipartisan Democrats in the House, noted for practical, results-oriented policymaking.
- Veterans & Healthcare Advocacy — Championed legislation to improve veterans’ benefits and lower health-care costs, and co-launched bipartisan health-care cost-reduction frameworks.
- Economic Relief & Community Protection — Led efforts to cut taxes for New Hampshire families and small businesses, crack down on predatory companies, and safeguard drinking water — protecting both families and local economies.
- Grassroots Change from the State Level Up — Built a career of public service spanning local and state government before moving to the national stage, giving him deep experience with the challenges facing New Hampshire communities.
Republican cuts to Medicaid are affecting people’s access to health care, and rural communities are bearing the brunt of it.
I’ll continue fighting to reverse their devastating cuts so that every Granite Stater can get the care they need when they need it.-
- Chris Pappas