Democrat Chris Pappas becomes first openly gay man elected to the US Senate

Democrat Chris Pappas has become the first openly gay man elected to the US Senate after defeating Republican John Sununu in New Hampshire's 2026 Senate race. The 46-year-old previously served as a four-term US Representative. He will succeed retiring Democratic Senator Jeanne Shaheen. Pappas, who lives with his husband Vann Bentley, has represented New Hampshire in Congress since 2019.