# Chris Pappas wins New Hampshire Senate seat

> Democrat Chris Pappas defeats Republican John Sununu to become the first openly gay man elected to the US Senate.
- Title: Chris Pappas wins New Hampshire Senate seat · BBC News
- Summary: Democrat Chris Pappas defeats Republican John Sununu to become the first openly gay man elected to the US Senate.
- Keywords: chris pappas, new hampshire, us senate, 2026 midterm elections, john sununu, democratic victory, BBC News
- Source: BBC News — https://bbc.co.uk/news/videos/c6y4xz3ypenko
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: chris pappas, new hampshire, us senate, 2026 midterm elections, john sununu, democratic victory, news, world
## Pappas defeats Sununu in New Hampshire
Senator-elect Chris Pappas, the Democratic candidate, has won New Hampshire's open Senate seat, defeating Republican John Sununu in the race.
## First openly gay senator elected
Pappas makes history as the first openly gay man elected to the United States Senate, a significant milestone for LGBTQ representation.
## I am ready to fight
At his victory celebration, Pappas told supporters he is ready to fight, signalling his commitment to his new role in the Senate.

> I am ready to fight
## Key takeaway

Democrat Chris Pappas won New Hampshire's open Senate seat, defeating Republican John Sununu and making history as the first openly gay man elected to the Senate.