Dem congressman lashes Elon Musk in opening salvo of bid in key 2026 Senate race

Democratic Rep. Chris Pappas has officially thrown his hat into the ring in the 2026 race to succeed retiring Sen. Jeanne Shaheen in New Hampshire. In a campaign launch video shared on social media, Pappas emphasized his commitment to fighting for the people of New Hampshire and taking on the big fights.

During a recent listening tour through all 10 counties in the state, Pappas heard firsthand the concerns of voters who feel like the system is rigged against them. He pointed to issues like the closure of the Social Security office in Littleton and cuts to Medicaid, all while giving tax breaks to billionaires like Elon Musk.

“I get angry because public service should be about helping people and making their lives better,” Pappas said in the video.

As a four-term congressman representing the eastern half of the state, Pappas is positioning himself as a fighter who isn’t afraid to stand up for the people he serves. With Shaheen’s decision not to seek re-election, Pappas is the first major candidate to enter the race for her Senate seat.

The National Republican Senatorial Committee wasted no time in attacking Pappas, painting him as out of touch with the values of everyday New Hampshire voters. They criticized his support for transgender athletes in women’s sports and his stance on gas-powered vehicles and taxes.

Despite the GOP’s efforts to flip the seat, Pappas remains focused on his goal of representing the people of New Hampshire in the Senate. He highlighted his roots in the state, his business background, and his record of service in Congress as qualifications for the job.

Pappas’ announcement has already sparked interest from other potential candidates, including former Gov. Chris Sununu and former Sen. Scott Brown. Both Republicans are considering runs for the Senate seat, setting the stage for a competitive race in 2026.

As Pappas gears up for his campaign, he plans to hold a kick-off event at the Puritan Backroom, his family’s restaurant in Manchester, which has been a staple for presidential candidates visiting the state. With a focus on grassroots campaigning and connecting with voters across New Hampshire, Pappas is ready to fight for the Senate seat and continue his mission of serving the people of his state.