Chris Pappas Officially Enters Race for U.S. Senate Seat in New Hampshire

MANCHESTER, N.H. — U.S. Rep. Chris Pappas officially announced his candidacy for the U.S. Senate on Thursday, April 3, 2025, following the decision of incumbent Sen. Jeanne Shaheen to retire in 2026. Pappas, a Democrat representing New Hampshire‘s 1st Congressional District, revealed his plans during an event at his family’s restaurant, the Puritan Backroom, in Manchester.

“At this critical moment for our country, for our democracy, it’s important to have someone who understands the state, who knows the people and places of New Hampshire, to go to the Senate to fight for us,” Pappas said in an interview. “We need to be willing to stand up to the administration, to self-dealing billionaires, to political extremists in Washington.”

The 44-year-old congressman, who has served in the U.S. House since 2018, launched his campaign amid concerns over President Donald Trump’s recent tariffs, which he highlighted as a top issue affecting working families. “Working families are going to be paying 3 to 5% of their income to higher prices as a result of these tariffs,” Pappas noted, emphasizing its impact on taxpayers.

Pappas embarked on a listening tour across all ten counties in New Hampshire prior to his announcement, a move he described as vital for understanding constituents’ concerns. He is the first major candidate to enter the race, casting himself as a representative of Granite State values while emphasizing his work history and customer service approach developed from his family’s restaurant business.

Political analysts are evaluating the impact of this campaign on local Democratic dynamics. Dante Scala, a political science professor at the University of New Hampshire, noted, “If Maggie Goodlander decides to run, this will create a competitive primary for the Democratic nomination.” Goodlander, who represents New Hampshire’s 2nd Congressional District and is considering a bid, could emerge as a formidable challenger since she has built a solid support network since her election last year.

Despite being in office for a short time, Goodlander’s electoral success in a similar district raises questions about Pappas’ path ahead. “If Goodlander gets in, she would be a serious candidate to challenge Pappas,” Scala added.

On the Republican side, former Gov. Chris Sununu and Scott Brown, a former U.S. senator, are potential candidates. Sununu, who had previously ruled out a Senate run, has left the door open, stating, “If I run, I will win.”

Scala remarked on Sununu’s appeal, noting, “He would be the A-list candidate for national Republicans.” The National Republican Senatorial Committee has already targeted Pappas, hoping to capitalize on any divisions within the Democratic camp.

Pappas won his congressional seat after defeating nine other candidates in a 2018 primary and has maintained strong support from party officials and constituents. According to recent Federal Election Commission filings, he ended last year with significant cash on hand, enabling him to launch a strong Senate campaign.

“I’m committed to figuring out how we can move forward together,” Pappas said at his campaign announcement. As Pappas embarks on this new chapter, he faces a crowded field and will aim to resonate with voters in a changing political landscape as elections approach.