Greek Orthodox Chris Pappas to Become First Openly Gay Man in Senate

MANCHESTER, NH — Democrat Chris Pappas defeated former Republican Senator John E. Sununu in the November 3 election for U.S. Senate in New Hampshire, winning the seat being vacated by retiring Democratic Senator Jeanne Shaheen. Pappas, who has represented the state’s 1st Congressional District since 2019, will become the first openly gay man to serve in the Senate.

Pappas, 46, is a Greek-American native of Manchester whose family has operated the Puritan Backroom restaurant for generations. Before entering Congress, he served in the New Hampshire House of Representatives, as Hillsborough County treasurer, and on the state Executive Council. He graduated from Harvard University in 2002 and returned to New Hampshire to work in the family business and pursue a political career.

Throughout his time in state and national politics, Pappas has consistently supported and promoted gay and transgender legislation. His record on these issues dates to his service in the New Hampshire Legislature and continued during his years in Congress, where he has backed measures concerning LGBTQ and transgender issues.

Pappas has maintained a longstanding connection to the Greek-American community in Manchester through the family restaurant, which was established by his Greek immigrant great-grandfather and a fellow immigrant in 1917. Pappas has also been involved in congressional initiatives concerning Greece and Cyprus, serving as co-chair of the Congressional Hellenic Caucus and supporting bipartisan efforts related to U.S.-Greek relations.

Previously, the UOJ reported that Gallup found US support for LGBTQ issues had declined from recent peaks.