As we gear up for the 2026 midterm and gubernatorial elections, The Dartmouth is featuring interviews with candidates who are running for state positions. In this interview, we chat with U.S. Rep. Chris Pappas, a Democrat from New Hampshire. He is vying for the U.S. Senate seat that will be left open by Sen. Jeanne Shaheen. Since 2019, Pappas has represented New Hampshire’s 1st Congressional District and is viewed as a strong candidate, particularly after polling from the University of New Hampshire in January showed him as an early frontrunner. Shaheen has also backed his campaign.
A Leader for New Hampshire
Pappas passionately believes that New Hampshire needs a leader who puts its residents first. He describes this as a crucial moment for democracy, emphasizing the importance of standing up to reckless actions in politics. “I feel my experience in local communities across the state equips me to make a difference,” he explains.
The Need for Change
When asked about the mood among voters, Pappas reflects on the anger many are feeling. “People are frustrated by the current administration’s disregard for the law and the Constitution,” he says. Pappas believes that restoring checks and balances is vital, especially concerning health care and immigration. He expresses hope that the heightened engagement among voters will shape the 2026 elections, noting that Democrats need to regain control of Congress to be effective.
Tackling Affordability
Affordability is a key focus for Pappas. He notes, “The rising cost of living is affecting families all around New Hampshire. The middle class is increasingly feeling the squeeze.” His plans involve addressing housing, health care, and energy costs. He advocates for building more affordable housing and providing tax credits for first-time homebuyers. Additionally, he stresses the importance of reducing tariffs that inflate costs for families.
Housing Solutions
When discussing housing, Pappas highlights that the issue boils down to supply. He believes that the federal government can play a role by motivating communities to construct more homes and leveraging federal tools like tax credits. “We need to create housing that works for everyone, not just retirees,” he adds. With home prices soaring, he sees a pressing need to make the construction process quicker and more efficient to help both renters and buyers.
Health Care Affordability
Pappas’s plan for health care includes extending Affordable Care Act premium tax credits. He points out that over 40,000 families in New Hampshire faced increased costs when these credits lapsed. He advocates for reversing Medicaid cuts that could harm vulnerable populations, especially in rural areas. For the long term, he calls for a public option and greater accountability for insurance companies and pharmaceutical firms, noting the burden of high drug prices on ordinary Americans.
A New Approach to Foreign Policy
On foreign policy, particularly regarding Iran, Pappas insists that strength lies in diplomacy and cooperation with allies rather than military action. He critiques the lack of clarity about U.S. goals in foreign conflicts and stresses that Congress needs to take an active role in these decisions.
A Balanced Approach to Immigration
Pappas’s views extend to immigration enforcement as well. While he supported legislation to detain undocumented immigrants arrested for serious crimes, he points out that the current administration’s approach has gone too far. He believes in enforcing the law while simultaneously upholding values of fairness and justice.
Beyond the Headlines
Finally, Pappas wants voters to know that constituent service is a priority for him. He reflects on a project where his office helped bring broadband to a rural town in New Hampshire, illustrating that even small victories can greatly impact lives.
In summary, Chris Pappas is focused on addressing the urgent issues of affordability and community support while advocating for a collaborative approach in governance.
For more on his campaign and insights, you can visit the University of New Hampshire’s poll or read more about the Laken Riley Act.
