Congressman Chris Pappas has defeated Republican challenger Russell Prescott in New Hampshire’s 1st Congressional District.
Pappas, an openly gay Democrat who has championed LGBTQ+ rights, reproductive healthcare, and economic growth, prevailed over Prescott, a conservative figure known for his past opposition to same-sex marriage and adoption rights for same-sex couples.
“The people of New Hampshire have spoken today and true to form New Hampshire voters said that they want leaders in Congresswho reject extremism who are members of team normal.” Pappas said, while thanking his opponent for a hard fought race.
Pappas leaned into his record as a bipartisan legislator with deep local roots and commitment to public service, Prescott’s campaign focused on traditional conservative values, including opposing expanded government spending and expressing skepticism about what he described as “woke” social policies.
Pappas’s victory solidifies his standing as one of the Granite State’s most prominent and durable political figures and underscores the continued support for Democratic leadership in the state’s federal delegation. His campaign focused on protecting healthcare access, expanding support for small businesses, and safeguarding reproductive rights — issues that resonated with a broad coalition of voters across the district.
Russell Prescott, a former executive councilor with long-standing ties to New Hampshire’s conservative wing, centered his campaign on opposing Pappas’s positions on LGBTQ+ rights and reproductive healthcare. Prescott’s stance on these issues contrasted sharply with Pappas’s, particularly as Prescott aligned with national Republican platforms aiming to restrict abortion access and oppose same-sex marriage rights. Pappas used these policy differences to frame the race as a choice between a progressive future and a return to divisive, outdated social policies.
Pappas’s re-election campaign received substantial support from local unions, advocacy groups, and national organizations concerned about preserving Democratic control in Congress. His campaign highlighted endorsements from key labor groups like the New Hampshire Professional Fire Fighters (PFFNH), which praised his dedication to worker’s rights and his consistent support for policies that benefit New Hampshire families.
