Chris Pappas would become the first openly gay man ever elected to the Senate, in a race that could decide control of the chamber.
WASHINGTON, D.C., October 28, 2026 — LGBTQ+ Victory Fund today called New Hampshire’s open U.S. Senate race one of the most consequential contests in the country. With Rep. Chris Pappas well positioned in the closing days of the 2026 election cycle, he will become the first openly gay man ever elected to the U.S. Senate, double the number of LGBTQ+ senators, and help build a pro-equality Senate majority. Pappas is running for the seat held by retiring Sen. Jeanne Shaheen against former Sen. John E. Sununu, and recent polls show him leading.
Congressman Chris Pappas, candidate for NH U.S. Senate: “I’m grateful to have LGBTQ+ Victory Fund in this fight with me. When I first ran for office, I didn’t know if someone like me could win in New Hampshire, and I’ve learned that Granite Staters care about whether you’ll show up and get results for them. That’s what this race is about: lowering costs, protecting freedoms, and standing up for every family in our state. I’m proud of who I am, and I know that it would mean for a young person somewhere in this country to see an out gay man elected to the Senate. But I’m not taking a single vote for granted. We have twelve days left, and we’re going to work for every one of them.”
“Chris Pappas is about to make history, and New Hampshire voters have the chance to send a message to the entire country,” said Evan Low, President and CEO of LGBTQ+ Victory Fund. “In more than two centuries, not one openly gay man has been elected to the United States Senate. Chris has spent his career showing up for working families in New Hampshire, and he has earned every bit of the lead he holds today. This seat could decide who controls the Senate, and Victory Fund is doing everything it takes to make sure Chris crosses the finish line on November 3rd.”
“Right now, there is only one out LGBTQ+ member of the United States Senate. Chris Pappas can double that,” said Joe Falk, Board Chair of LGBTQ+ Victory Fund. “That matters on every vote, from protecting our families to confirming judges who will uphold our rights. A pro-equality Senate majority runs through New Hampshire, and we are asking every supporter of equality to help us get there.”
The Race
Chris Pappas, U.S. Senate, New Hampshire (Open Seat)
Pappas became New Hampshire’s first openly gay member of Congress in 2018 and is now running for the seat of retiring Sen. Jeanne Shaheen against former Sen. John E. Sununu. Recent polls show him ahead 51 percent to 43–44 percent, in a race that could decide control of the Senate. A win would make history as the first openly gay man elected to the Senate and would double the Senate’s LGBTQ+ caucus.
For media inquiries or to schedule an interview please reach out to Melissa Grigsby (melissa.grigsby@victoryfund.org), VP of Communications at LGBTQ+ Victory Fund.
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About LGBTQ+ Victory Fund
LGBTQ+ Victory Fund works to achieve and sustain equality by increasing the number of out LGBTQ+ elected officials at all levels of government while ensuring they reflect the diversity of those they serve. Since 1991, Victory Fund has helped thousands of LGBTQ+ candidates win local, state and federal elections. victoryfund.org