Out Gay Democrat Chris Pappas Poised to Make History in New Hampshire After Winning Nomination in State’s Swing 1st District

Chris Pappas has won the Democratic nomination for New Hampshire’s swing 1st District and will face Republican former police chief Eddie Edwards for the seat of retiring Rep, Carol Shea-Porter.

Roll Call reports: “With 84 percent of precincts reporting, Pappas led an 11-way Democratic field with 42 percent of the vote, according to The Associated Press. Marine veteran Maura Sullivan was second with 30 percent. Levi Sanders, the son of Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders, trailed in seventh place with 2 percent. He didn’t have his father’s endorsement, struggled to raise money and didn’t live in the district. On the GOP side, with 84 percent of precincts reporting, Edwards led a five-way field with 48 percent of the vote, according to the AP. State Sen. Andy Sanborn was in second place with 41 percent.”

The race will be historic in any case. Pappas would be the first openly gay representative from New Hampshire, and Edwards would be the state’s first black representative.

Said the Victory Fund’s president and CEO Annise Parker in a statement: “Chris Pappas continues to smash long-standing political barriers for LGBTQ New Hampshirites — and his victory is emblematic of the pipeline of LGBTQ leaders who continue to rise through the ranks to better serve their constituents. Democratic primary voters are demanding authentic, values-driven leaders who prioritize policies over politics — and they found that leader in Chris. He was born and raised in the district, is a fierce advocate for fairness and equality, and will fight tirelessly to push forward policies that advance those principles. We need change in Washington, and a November victory for Chris is critical to securing a pro-equality majority in the next U.S. Congress.”

The AP adds: ‘Mr. Pappas told supporters Tuesday evening his campaign will be about decency, unity and progress. He described meeting an LGBTQ student in Manchester who said she was unsure of her place in the community. “She needs a role model and a champion, too, and I hope this historic victory tonight has some small impact in making her understand this fact: You, too, are welcome here, and regardless of who you are or who you love, the sky’s the limit,” he said.’

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