Democrat Chris Pappas stood before his supporters on Tuesday night, reflecting on his campaigns and promising to fight for all after being declared the winner of New Hampshire’s U.S. Senate race.
“Whether you’re a Republican, an independent, or a Democrat, tonight’s victory is for you because this is a victory for team New Hampshire over the broken status quo that is hurting all of us just the same,” he said.
Behind Pappas stood his husband, Vann Bentley, whom he brought up little during his campaign. But during his speech Tuesday night, he thanked him enthusiastically. “I want to thank the guy next to me, my amazing husband Vann,” he said, being met with so much applause he joked that “the wrong person was on the ballot apparently.”
“He’s always been by my side,” Pappas said. “Tonight, win, lose or draw, I’m the luckiest guy because I’m married to the man that I love.”
In a political climate that has recently pushed back against LGBTQ+, this victory resonates with USC students.
Jack Norman, a freshman majoring in business administration, was initially shocked by the headline.
“I was surprised because I didn’t know that there hadn’t been in the past,” Norman said. “So I had a moment of feeling disappointed that that hadn’t happened before.”
“But then, reflecting on it, I think it’s a great thing to have that type of representation and for everyone to be seen,” Norman said. “At a time where it can feel hard to be in a minority group, especially the LGBTQ community, there is hope, and there are victories that can come out of it.”
Liam Gottlieb, a sophomore studying international relations and global business, shared a similar feeling. “I think it’s really important for our country and for the people of New Hampshire, and especially the LGBTQ community,” he said.
“Being senators is a massive accomplishment, and it may demonstrate that we’re moving away from the extremist, far-right popular movement in the country,” Gottlieb said.
Caitlyn Van Hoose, a freshman political economy major, also noted how this win fits into the broader political picture, where she described it as “a time of turmoil of human rights in the U.S.”
“Seeing someone that is openly gay and very adamant about it be put in a position of power is very positive for some of the progressive movements that I know many other Democrats are looking for in the government until the next executive elections,” she said.
“My words to you tonight are thank you, and let’s keep going,” Pappas told his supporters as he wrapped up his speech. “Let’s keep going. Let’s keep going and fighting and working for the people of this great state.”
Edited by Katherine Contreras Hernandez and Leo Li