Chris Pappas

Chris Pappas is an American politician and businessman currently serving as the U.S. Representative for New Hampshire's 1st congressional district. A member of the Democratic Party, he was first elected to Congress in 2018 and assumed office in January 2019. Born and raised in Manchester, New Hampshire, Pappas graduated from Harvard University in 2002 with a degree in government. Before entering federal politics, he served as a co-owner and manager of his family's restaurant, the Puritan Backroom, a local landmark in Manchester known for its role in the New Hampshire primary circuit. Pappas's career in public service began in the New Hampshire House of Representatives, where he served from 2002 to 2006. He subsequently served as the treasurer of Hillsborough County from 2007 to 2011 and was later elected to the New Hampshire Executive Council, serving from 2013 until his entry into Congress in 2019. Upon his election to the U.S. House, he became the first openly gay person to represent New Hampshire in the federal legislature. In Congress, he has been an active member of the Committee on Veterans' Affairs and the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure.

Representative Pappas focuses on expanding healthcare access, environmental protection, and support for small businesses. He is a proponent of the Affordable Care Act and has advocated for legislation to lower the cost of prescription drugs and protect reproductive rights. On economic issues, he emphasizes infrastructure investment and tax cuts for working families, often drawing on his experience as a small business owner. Pappas has been particularly active in addressing environmental concerns, leading efforts to regulate PFAS "forever chemicals" in water supplies and supporting clean energy initiatives. His foreign policy positions include support for aid to Ukraine and a commitment to Israel's security coupled with a two-state solution for the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. He also maintains a strong focus on veterans' issues, working to improve mental health resources and healthcare benefits for former service members.