Scoop: Rep. Chris Pappas eyes newly open Senate seat
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Rep. Chris Pappas greets supporters at his election night party in Manchester, New Hampshire on Nov. 8, 2022. Photo: Sophie Park/Getty Images.
Rep. Chris Pappas (D-N.H.) is "definitely considering" running to replace Sen. Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.) in 2026 after she announced her plans to retire, a source familiar with his thinking told Axios.
Why it matters: The 44-year-old congressman, first elected in 2018, would become the first openly gay male senator if elected — a major milestone.
- Pappas also represents a swing district, making him an attractive prospect to Senate Democrats eager to hold onto Shaheen's competitive seat.
- Freshman Rep. Maggie Goodlander (D-N.H.) is also considering a run for the seat, according to a source familiar with her thinking.
Driving the news: Shaheen announced Wednesday in a video that "after careful consideration, I have made the difficult decision not to seek reelection to the Senate in 2026."
- "It's just time," added the 78-year-old senator, who was first elected in 2008 after serving as the state's governor from 1997 to 2003.
- Shaheen is the latest in a series of Senate Democrats who are forgoing a reelection bid in 2026 — including Sens. Gary Peters (D-Mich.) and Tina Smith (D-Minn.).
What they're saying: Pappas praised Shaheen as a "trailblazing leader" in a statement released to social media.
- "On a personal note, when I volunteered on her first governor's race in 1996, I saw firsthand her commitment and tireless work ethics, and I thank her for setting an example," he said.
- One of Pappas' House Democratic colleagues, speaking on the condition of anonymity, told Axios they "always assumed" Pappas would run for Senate and said he would have "LGBT support nationally" for his bid.
Zoom in: Former Rep. Annie Kuster (D-N.H.), who retired from Congress this year, told Axios she "will take a serious look if Pappas does not run."
- "Grateful for Jeanne Shaheen's service over all the years as State Senator, Governor and US Senator. She exemplifies integrity of the highest order," Kuster said.
Zoom out: Scott Brown, a Republican former senator from Massachusetts and ambassador to New Zealand who previously ran against Shaheen in 2014, signaled he is considering a run.
- He wrote in a post on X that he appreciates Shaheen's "service to our state" and for voting to confirm him as ambassador.
- "Now it's time for New Hampshire to have someone in the delegation who fights for our priorities and stands with, not against, the Trump agenda," he said.
Editor's note: This story has been updated with additional reporting.
