Chris Pappas

Social Security

Pappas supports protecting and strengthening Social Security against cuts or privatization.

He has publicly discussed Social Security policy on C-SPAN and clashed with rival Kelly Ayotte/Sununu over the issue during his Senate campaign, positioning himself as a defender of the program.

Israel-Palestine / Foreign Policy

Pappas has taken a stance on U.S.-Israel relations, characterizing the relationship as at a turning point, while facing criticism from a primary rival over AIPAC ties.

New Hampshire Public Radio reported Pappas discussing U.S.-Israel relations amid a primary contest where an opponent criticized his AIPAC connections, suggesting a more establishment or moderate posture on the issue.

Labor Rights / Federal Workforce Protections

Pappas opposes weakening civilian labor protections, specifically at the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard.

He joined New Hampshire and Maine colleagues in formally opposing a new OPM rule that would weaken civilian labor protections for shipyard workers, indicating support for federal employee union rights.

LGBTQ+ Rights

Pappas has a strong record supporting LGBTQ+ rights as an openly gay member of Congress.

LGBTQ Nation highlighted his LGBTQ+ record as a notable strength in his Senate campaign, reflecting consistent advocacy on related issues during his congressional tenure.

Transportation / Rideshare Regulation

Pappas supported legislation providing a liability shield benefiting rideshare companies, including Uber, raising conflict-of-interest questions due to his husband's employment.

NH Journal and Washington Reporter both reported that Pappas backed a bill with a liability shield for Uber and flipped his vote on a rideshare provision benefiting his husband's employer, drawing scrutiny over potential conflicts of interest.

Economic Populism / Campaign Positioning

Pappas is positioning himself in the Democratic primary for U.S. Senate with an emphasis on economic issues affecting working families in New Hampshire.

Coverage of the ramped-up New Hampshire Democratic Senate primary suggests Pappas is emphasizing economic and pocketbook issues to differentiate himself in the race.