N.H. Democrat is first openly gay man elected to chamber
New Hampshire Congressman Chris Pappas on Tuesday became the first openly gay man elected to the U.S. Senate.
The Granite State Democrat defeated Republican John E. Sununu, who represented New Hampshire in the Senate from 2003-2009. Sununu conceded shortly after the polls closed at 8 p.m. ET.
“I’m really proud of who I am, but [I am] more proud of the fact that New Hampshire embraces people from different walks of life,” Pappas told the Washington Blade during an Oct. 26 interview. “This is a state that fundamentally believes that everyone should be able to be themselves, and we’re stronger when everyone has the same rights and responsibilities.”
Pappas’s husband, Vann Bentley, stood alongside him when he spoke to supporters in Manchester, New Hampshire’s largest city.
Thank you, New Hampshire. https://t.co/AIIfpYj2IS
Pappas in January will succeed retiring U.S. Sen. Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.).
“The voters of New Hampshire know that Chris Pappas is one of their own, a leader who will work for the Granite State, push back against corruption and champion LGBTQ+ equality,” said Human Rights Campaign President Kelley Robinson on Tuesday. “As the first openly gay man to serve in the U.S. Senate, Chris’s victory isn’t just historic — it’s a sign that progress is possible when we show people who we are and what we fight for. We’re thrilled to continue working with Chris as he heads to the U.S. Senate .”
LGBTQ+ Victory Fund CEO Evan Low in his own statement noted “Granite Staters made history — and sent a message that will be heard far beyond New Hampshire.”
“Chris Pappas earned this win the way he’s earned every one before it: by showing up, listening, and delivering for working families,” he said. “For generations of gay men who were told public life wasn’t for them, seeing Chris take his seat in the U.S. Senate will be proof that the door is open. He will be a fierce champion for every New Hampshire family, and a powerful voice for equality in a chamber that has never had a voice quite like his.”
Sarah McBride returns to Congress after historic first term
Optimism that Democrats could take Congress, change tone around LGBTQ issues
Pappas poised to become first out gay male U.S. senator
Trump uses anti-trans slur against Democratic Senate candidate
Gov. Abigail Spanberger campaigned for Question 3
Virginia voters on Tuesday approved an amendment to the state constitution that will codify marriage rights for same-sex couples.
The Associated Press notes the referendum passed by a 56.2-43.8 percent margin with 76 percent of the vote counted.
The Washington Blade will update this story.
Trans Del. lawmaker defeats Republican Joseph Arminio
Delaware’s incumbent Congresswoman Sarah McBride was re-elected to the U.S. House of Representatives on Tuesday. She is the first transgender person elected to the federal legislature.
McBride maintained control of the state’s single congressional seat, defeating Republican Joseph Arminio.
NBC called the race , with Arminio trailing McBride 32.3-67.7 percent.
Earlier this year, during a forum attended by both candidates, Arminio misgendered McBride multiple times and was subsequently asked to leave.
McBride has campaigned on a range of progressive issues, including criminal justice reform, affordability, immigration, and reproductive health care.
Earlier this year, the Washington Blade interviewed the Democrat , who discussed her goals for the future while reflecting on her first year in Congress.
“We need to deliver universal child care, a higher minimum wage, Medicare for all who want it, and millions of new homes. Winning the next election is not the end; we have to continue building toward a durable majority.”
Va. Democrat easily beat GOP challenger.
Incumbent U.S. Sen. Mark Warner (D-Va.) on Tuesday defeated Republican Bert Mizusawa.
Maine House speaker: Susan Collins ‘should not be underestimated’
Patrick Stewart, actor and life-long LGBTQ ally, has died at 86
Activists fear India voter roll purge disproportionately targets trans, LGBTQ people