Democrat Chris Pappas becomes first openly gay man elected to the U.S. Senate

Democrat Chris Pappas won New Hampshire’s U.S. Senate election on 3 November 2026, defeating Republican John Sununu. The Associated Press declared him the winner. Pappas became the first openly gay man elected to the upper chamber of Congress.

According to preliminary AP results on 4 November, with 86% of expected votes counted, Pappas had 325,517 votes, or 56.1%, to Sununu’s 244,075, or 42.1%.

Pappas will replace retiring Democratic Senator Jeanne Shaheen. His victory keeps the seat in Democratic hands. Sununu previously represented New Hampshire in both the House of Representatives and the Senate.

As New Hampshire Public Radio reports, Sununu conceded shortly after polling stations closed on the evening of 3 November. Pappas focused his campaign on economic concerns and criticism of President Donald Trump’s policies. Sununu, who had Trump’s endorsement, promised to be an independent voice in the Senate and advocated congressional term limits. He also criticised tariffs and the growing budget deficit.

Pappas is 46. He has represented New Hampshire’s 1st Congressional District in the House since 2019, serving four terms. He previously served in the New Hampshire legislature.

In 2012, Wisconsin Democrat Tammy Baldwin, a lesbian, became the first openly LGBT person elected to the U.S. Senate.

Uránia previously reported on Pappas’s victory in New Hampshire’s Democratic primary.