Chris Pappas

Christopher Charles Pappas is an American politician currently serving as the U.S. Representative for New Hampshire's 1st congressional district. A member of the Democratic Party, he has held this position since 2019 and is recognized as the first openly gay man to represent New Hampshire in Congress. Pappas's district encompasses a diverse region that includes the state's largest city, Manchester, along with the Seacoast and Lakes Region. He has previously served on the New Hampshire Executive Council and has been involved in various political roles throughout his career.

Early life and career

Chris Pappas was born on June 4, 1980, in Manchester, New Hampshire, to Dawn and Arthur Pappas. His family has deep roots in the area, with his paternal great-grandfather, also named Arthur Pappas, emigrating from Greece in the early 20th century. In 1917, Arthur Pappas and his cousin established an ice cream shop in Manchester, which eventually evolved into a restaurant known as the Puritan Backroom. This establishment is notable for being a family-owned business, with Chris Pappas becoming one of its owners by 2020. The Puritan Backroom is also credited with the invention of the chicken tender, a culinary innovation attributed to Pappas's grandfather, Charlie Pappas, in 1974.

Pappas completed his secondary education at Manchester Central High School, graduating in 1998. He then attended Harvard College, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in government in 2002. During his time at Harvard, he contributed to The Harvard Crimson, the university's student newspaper, which provided him with early experience in writing and political discourse.

Pappas's political journey began in high school when he volunteered for the campaign of Jeanne Shaheen, who was then a state senator and the Democratic nominee for governor. This early involvement in politics laid the groundwork for his future career. After returning to Manchester following his graduation, Pappas was elected to the New Hampshire House of Representatives in 2002, where he served two terms. He subsequently held the position of treasurer for Hillsborough County but was defeated in his bid for a third term in 2010. In 2012, he successfully ran for the New Hampshire Executive Council from the 4th district, defeating his previous opponent, Bob Burns. Pappas was reelected to this position in 2014 and 2016, further establishing his political presence in the state.

House tenure

Pappas's tenure in the U.S. House of Representatives began in 2019 after he announced his candidacy for New Hampshire's 1st congressional district seat, which became available when incumbent Carol Shea-Porter decided not to seek reelection. In the Democratic primary, Pappas emerged victorious among a field of ten candidates, securing 42.2% of the vote. He then faced Republican candidate Eddie Edwards in the general election, where he won with 53.6% of the vote, achieving victories in every county except Belknap County.

In 2020, Pappas sought reelection for a second term and faced no opposition in the Democratic primary. He went on to defeat Republican challenger Matt Mowers in the general election, receiving 51.32% of the vote. Pappas continued his electoral success in 2022, running unopposed in the Democratic primary and defeating Karoline Leavitt, a future Trump administration official, with 54% of the vote. As of 2024, Pappas is running for a fourth term, having secured the Democratic nomination with an overwhelming 95.2% of the vote against Kevin Rondeau. He is set to face Republican Russell Prescott, a former state senator, in the upcoming general election.

Legislative focus and committees

Throughout his time in Congress, Pappas has been involved in various legislative initiatives and committee assignments. For the 119th Congress, he serves on the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, where he is a member of several subcommittees, including those focused on Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation, Highways and Transit, and Water Resources and Environment. Additionally, he is a member of the Committee on Veterans' Affairs, participating in subcommittees that address Economic Opportunity and Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs.

Pappas is also active in multiple caucuses, including serving as a co-chair of the Congressional Equality Caucus, which advocates for LGBTQ+ rights. He is a member of the New Democrat Coalition, the Problem Solvers Caucus, the Tom Lantos Human Rights Commission, the House Pro-Choice Caucus, and the Rare Disease Caucus. His involvement in these groups reflects his commitment to a range of issues, including civil rights, healthcare, and economic opportunity.

Pappas has garnered recognition for his bipartisan approach to legislation, being ranked as the most bipartisan Democrat and third overall in bipartisanship among House members in 2023 by the Lugar Center. His political positions have included support for significant rulings, such as the Supreme Court's decision in Bostock v. Clayton County, which affirmed protections for LGBTQ workers under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. He has also co-sponsored the Equality Act, aimed at prohibiting discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity across various sectors.

In addition to his support for LGBTQ+ rights, Pappas has taken stances on other key issues. He was one of the few House Democrats to oppose the Marijuana Opportunity Reinvestment and Expungement (MORE) Act in 2020, citing concerns about certain provisions of the bill. Following the Supreme Court's decision to overturn Roe v. Wade, he expressed support for legislative efforts to restore national abortion rights. Furthermore, he has voiced criticism of President Biden's student debt cancellation plan, arguing that it did not adequately address the underlying issues of rising higher education costs.

As he continues his service in Congress, Pappas remains a prominent figure in New Hampshire politics, with a focus on representing the interests of his constituents while navigating the complexities of national legislation. His ongoing career reflects a commitment to public service and advocacy on behalf of diverse communities within his district.