The new American Congress takes shape. The Democrats achieved a historic success in both the House and the Senate in the midterm elections and even if the data are not definitive there are already those who are celebrating. This is the case of Democrat Chris Pappas, who will become the first openly gay senator. He won the race in New Hampshire.
Tonight is a victory for everyone. https://t.co/hNXkZ5CEy0
— Chris Pappas (@ChrisPappasNH) November 4, 2026
Who is Chris Pappas
Born in Manchester in 1980, his family has Greek origins. He graduated from Harvard with a degree in political science. Before dedicating himself entirely to full-time politics, he worked since he was a teenager as a dishwasher, waiter and ice cream maker in the historic family restaurant, the Puritan Backroom, a place famous in local tradition for having invented “chicken tenders”, i.e. breaded chicken nuggets.
He won the Senate seat by beating Republican Party candidate John E. Sununu. He will become the first openly gay senator.
During the election campaign he did not place particular emphasis on this goal. Although her husband attended some events, Pappas spoke out on strictly political issues: the high cost of living and health care, as well as the fight against corruption in Washington.
Thank you, New Hampshire. https://t.co/AIIfpYj2IS
— Chris Pappas (@ChrisPappasNH) November 4, 2026
In her first speech after the vote, however, Pappas mentioned her husband: “I would like to thank the guy here next to me, my fantastic husband Van.” There is also space for the family of origin: “The best possible example of public service, hard work, community support and unconditional love”. Then he looks to the future: “The fight we started in this room and have taken to every corner of New Hampshire is now headed to Washington, to put our state and our country back on the right path for the future.”