Democrat Chris Pappas set to become first openly gay male Senator, wins New Hampshire Senate race over John E. Sununu

Democratic Rep. Chris Pappas has defeated former Republican Sen. John E. Sununu in New Hampshire for a seat led previously by three-term Democratic Sen. Jeanne Shaheen. The Associated Press projected Pappas as the winner on November 3, allowing Democrats to retain a seat that can play an important role in the US Senate power dynamic.

The victory also marks a historic milestone: Pappas will become the first openly gay man to serve in the US Senate.

New Hampshire has not elected a Republican to Congress since 2010 and has consistently backed Democratic presidential candidates since 2004, even as Republicans have maintained a strong presence in state government in recent years.

Who is Chris Pappas?

Pappas, 46, grew up in Manchester, New Hampshire, working in his family's restaurant, which opened in 1917. The business, the Puritan Backroom, is widely associated with the invention of chicken tenders, according to AP.

After graduating from Harvard University, Pappas entered public service, serving in the New Hampshire House of Representatives, as Hillsborough County treasurer and on the state's Executive Council. He lives in Manchester with his husband, Vann.

He was elected to the US House in 2018, becoming the first openly gay man to represent New Hampshire in Congress. He has represented the state's 1st Congressional District since January 2019.

Pappas built his Senate campaign around affordability, local economic concerns and opposition to President Donald Trump's administration.

“This is a time for a new generation of leadership in the United States Senate who understands the problems New Hampshire is facing, who will stand up to the recklessness of this administration, lower costs and make life better for Granite Staters,” Pappas said during a debate, according to the Associated Press.

Pappas faced Sununu, a former senator who represented New Hampshire from 2003 to 2009 and served three terms in the House before that.

Sununu won the Republican nomination after defeating former Sen. Scott Brown in the primary. Trump endorsed him despite their past disagreements.

Pappas's election adds a new chapter to LGBTQ representation in American politics. He will be the first openly gay male senator, following the election of Tammy Baldwin, the first openly lesbian senator, in 2012.