Chris Pappas Becomes First Openly Gay Male US Senator After New Hampshire Win

Chris Pappas just made history. The Democratic congressman won New Hampshire's Senate seat on Nov 3, becoming the first openly gay man to serve in the chamber, according to US media projections.

He beat Republican former senator John Sununu to keep the seat in Democratic hands. Pappas, 46, has been a House member since 2018 and co-chairs the Congressional Equality Caucus.

The Human Rights Campaign, which endorsed him, called it a historic win and labeled him a dedicated pro-equality champion. GLAAD also congratulated him on breaking the barrier.

The midterms will decide whether Republicans keep control of Congress and shape the rest of President Donald Trump's second term. Trump rallied nearly every day before the vote, telling Republicans to pretend he was on the ballot.

Polling suggests Democrats have a real shot at flipping the House and possibly the Senate, fueled by voter frustration over the economy and the war against Iran.

For now, New Hampshire sends a barrier-breaker to Washington. The bigger picture on Congress comes into focus as the results roll in.