Polling Average
80%60%40%20%0%
63.8%
11.3%
Democrat
Chris Pappas
New Hampshire Democratic Senate nominee?
$4.0K
SEP 9, 2026Primary Election
Party selects its nominee.
Overview
Current roleFormer Treasurer
PartyDemocratic
Political ideologyModerate Democrat
Age45 years old (Jun 4, 1980)
LocationNew Hampshire
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BackgroundU.S. Representative
EducationHarvard University (A.B.)
Notable personal detailsChristopher Charles Pappas is a Democratic U.S. Representative from New Hampshire’s 1st congressional district, serving since 2019. He previously served on the New Hampshire Executive Council (2013–2019), was Hillsborough County treasurer (2007–2011), and served in the New Hampshire House of Representatives. He graduated from Harvard University with an A.B. and has worked as a restaurant manager and small business owner.
SourcesShowHide
history.house.goven.wikipedia.orgpappas.house.govchrispappas.orges.wikipedia.orgsenatedfl.mnnashuatelegraph.comproblemsolverscaucus.house.govwevoters.comapnews.comnhpr.orggiffords.orgbostonglobe.comcbsnews.comfoxnews.comaxios.comwashingtonpost.comwikidata.orgvoterguide.ballotpedia.orgsubstack.govtrack.usdeveloper.ballotpedia.orgcba.ballotpedia.orgjustfacts.votesmart.orgfec.govcongress.gov
Positions
LiberalConservative
Economy & Taxes
Supports tax policies that provide relief to working and middle-class families (expanded Child Tax Credit, protections for small businesses) while backing stronger enforcement against tax evasion by the ultra‑rich and corporations. Advocates targeted tax fairness measures and opposes broad Republican proposals that would cut social programs while providing tax breaks for the wealthy.
Healthcare
Supports protecting and building on the Affordable Care Act, opposes cuts to Medicaid and efforts that would roll back protections for people with pre-existing conditions, and advocates expanding access while lowering prescription drug costs and improving mental and rural health care access.
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Immigration & Border
Supports bipartisan border security measures and improved coordination for law enforcement while also backing reforms that create legal pathways and asylum protections, including co-sponsorship of legislation that would establish pathways to citizenship. Advocates additional resources for Border Patrol and fentanyl interdiction but frames solutions as comprehensive, bipartisan reform rather than enforcement-only approaches.
Abortion & Reproductive Rights
Supports broad access to abortion and reproductive health care, advocates protections for contraception and Planned Parenthood funding, and has sponsored and cosponsored federal legislation to protect and codify reproductive health access for veterans and the general public.
Climate & Energy
Supports clean energy incentives and programs to lower energy costs, while also backing measures to ensure regional energy reliability and affordability. Advocates for weatherization, Low Income Home Energy Assistance, and federal clean energy tax credits; has supported creating a House committee to explore Green New Deal solutions.
Public Safety & Guns
Supports universal background checks, closing the Charleston (three-day) loophole, red flag-type measures and other “commonsense” gun safety reforms; has voted for major gun safety bills including the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act and backed funding for gun violence research. Also supports measures to keep firearms from domestic abusers and has endorsed limits on assault-style weapons in past campaign materials.
News
AINews Summary
Last updatedMay 19, 2026
Chris Pappas is emerging as the Democratic frontrunner in the New Hampshire Senate race, and recent coverage says he is actively trying to win over younger voters through social media. The race is drawing attention as Democrats look to build momentum for the 2026 midterms and compete for a Senate seat in a closely watched state. Reports also note that voter-registration and election-security debates in New Hampshire could shape the campaign environment.
history.house.gov+24
Articles
AAl-Monitor2 months ago
Ahead of midterms, Republicans confront cooling support from young men over Trump policies
Positive
WEWashington Examiner3 months ago
party spoiler bid for New Hampshire Senate seat
Positive
NNewsweek2 months ago
Full List of Seats Flipped by Democrats During Trump’s Second Term
Positive
SSSpokane Spokesman-Review2 months ago
House members vying for Senate face conundrum with Iran votes
Neutral
Polls
New Hampshire Democratic Senate nominee?
Aggregation source: FiftyPlusOne
Endorsements
New Hampshire Democratic Senate nominee?
Endorsers of Chris Pappas for New Hampshire Democratic Senate nominee?
Jeanne Shaheen
Public figure
Jeanne Shaheen endorsed Chris Pappas for the 2026 New Hampshire Senate race.
Maggie Goodlander
Public figure
Maggie Goodlander endorsed Chris Pappas for the 2026 New Hampshire Senate race.
Fundraising
Latest report: Cycle 2024Total raisedCash on hand
$5.2M
$3.9M
$2.6M
$1.3M
$0
2022
2024
LatestYear
Total raised
Cash on hand
Total spent
Burn rate
Cycle 2022
$5.2M
$113.2K
$5.3M
$219.3K
Cycle 2024
$4.1M
$407.6K
$3.8M
$157.3K
Source: FEC