Chris Pappas — Democrat Candidate for U.S. House in New Hampshire, 2026

Chris Pappas voted against the 2026 Department of Homeland Security Appropriations Act, citing concerns over ICE's role and the need for accountable government. He proposed redirecting $75 billion from ICE to local law enforcement. Pappas also voted for H.R. 29, requiring detention for immigrants charged with specific crimes, stating it ensures consequences for breaking laws. He supports bipartisan efforts for border security and immigration reform, advocating for policies that keep communities safe.

“Granite Staters want law and order. They want their families to be safe. I appreciate the job that our law enforcement officers do every day, and I believe ICE should enforce our laws professionally, using the high standards employed by New Hampshire law enforcement. [...] Knowing this, I voted against this spending bill because American citizens and taxpayers deserve accountable government and commonsense guardrails for ICE. [...] However, this administration has gone far beyond ICE's intended role and shown a clear disregard for the best practices and high standards that federal law enforcement must meet. Instead, we have seen this government conduct operations that, according to local leaders, are actually making our country less safe. That is why I introduced an amendment to this legislation to redirect $75 billion in excess funding from the Republicans’ so-called One Big Beautiful Bill Act from ICE and send it instead to local police departments who know their communities best. Unfortunately, the Republican majority blocked this amendment." — Chris Pappas, Statement on Department of Homeland Security Appropriations Act, 2026, January 2026”

Congressman Chris Pappas introduced the Right to Enroll Act to extend the Affordable Care Act (ACA) open enrollment period to May 1, 2026. He advocates for making health care affordable and accessible, working to strengthen the ACA by making tax credits permanent. Pappas also co-introduced bipartisan legislation to extend health insurance premium savings. He aims to hold insurance and pharmaceutical companies accountable for costs and voted for appropriations that include funding for family planning and maternal and child health care.

““While I continue pushing for the extension of the Affordable Care Act enhanced premium tax credits that make health insurance more affordable for millions of Americans, we have to face the reality that open enrollment has begun and individuals are seeing their premiums double or even triple. We have to take action now to give people the time and flexibility they need to choose their coverage amidst confusion caused by Republican inaction,” said Congressman Pappas.“Open enrollment must be extended. I’ve called on President Trump to take this simple step administratively, but if he won’t act then Congress must.” (Congressman Chris Pappas, Pappas Introduces Legislation to Extend 2026 ACA Open Enrollment Period, 2026)”

Chris Pappas advocates for promoting clean energy, supporting environmental protection, and directly addressing climate change, citing the goal of leaving the environment better for future generations. He voted Nay on H.R.4758 (Homeowner Energy Freedom Act) and H.R.4626 (Don’t Mess With My Home Appliances Act) in February 2026. He opposes withdrawal from the Paris Climate Agreement and ending the Clean Power Plan, emphasizing the need for innovative solutions and a sustainable future. He supported investments in solar, wind, and other renewable energy projects during his time on the New Hampshire Executive Council.

“I strongly oppose pulling out of the Paris Climate Agreement, ending the Clean Power Plan, and rolling back protections for our water and air—which have undermined critical environmental protections. I believe it is critical that Congress develop and pass thoughtful, innovative solutions to the climate crisis before it’s too late to mitigate the worst effects of the catastrophic changes that are already upon us. We must act now to put our state and our nation on a pathway to a more sustainable future.”

Chris Pappas supports abortion and reproductive rights, earning endorsements from organizations like Reproductive Freedom for All, Population Connection Action Fund, and Planned Parenthood Action Fund for his 2026 U.S. Senate campaign. He has co-sponsored the Global Health, Empowerment, and Rights (HER) Act and the Support UNFPA Funding Act, while also defending domestic family planning programs such as Title X. Pappas states that reproductive health care is vital for maintaining safe, healthy, and thriving communities. He is committed to fighting for access to this critical care.

““Reproductive Freedom for All is leading the fight to protect access to abortion and other critical health care, and I am honored to have their endorsement in my U.S. Senate race,” said Congressman Chris Pappas. “Reproductive health care is essential to keeping our communities safe, healthy, and thriving. As extreme politicians and judges try to turn back the clock on women’s rights, defending reproductive freedom demands our unwavering commitment. In the U.S. Senate, I will continue to fight for this critical care.” - Congressman Chris Pappas, Reproductive Freedom for All.”

Chris Pappas emphasizes a foreign policy focused on diplomacy, strengthening alliances, and promoting global stability. He voted against a National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) due to the inclusion of politicized social issues, which he stated undermine security and military readiness. He advocates for a national security-focused bill that supports servicemembers, funds the defense industrial base, and addresses issues like PFAS contamination. Pappas also believes sustained diplomatic engagement with allies is key to addressing global threats like Iran's nuclear ambitions.

“For years, the NDAA has been drafted on a bipartisan basis to meet the needs of our service members and military families and ensure that America has the strongest, best-prepared military in the world. This year’s process, however, was hijacked on the floor by radical voices who see this as an opportunity to play politics, appease Donald Trump and his allies, and force through their out-of-touch, discriminatory social agenda. — Chris Pappas, Statement on Republican Majority’s Shamefully Politicized National Defense Bill (pappas.house.gov)”

Chris Pappas voted to pass the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2026, which included annual appropriations for departments such as Education. This legislation allocated funding for various programs, including Head Start, to provide vital resources to New Hampshire. He stated that this vote provides critical support and resources to his constituents.

“Yesterday I voted to pass several key appropriations bills that provide critical support for our national defense and security, including pay raises for our military, increased funding for counter-narcotic and anti-drug trafficking programs, and necessary investments in our shipyards and defense industrial base to bolster shipbuilding and develop next-generation platforms to keep this country safe. The legislation also delivers vital resources to New Hampshire to lower costs on everything from energy to child care, build new affordable housing, and fund Title X family planning, maternal and child health care, and Head Start. I urge the Senate to take up and pass this legislation and send it to the President to be signed into law." — Chris Pappas, pappas.house.gov”

Chris Pappas supports gun violence prevention, stating that measures are needed to keep communities safe and prevent guns from falling into the hands of criminals while respecting responsible gun owners' rights. He co-sponsored the Bipartisan Background Checks Act and Ethan’s Law. He also voted against the Law Enforcement Officer Safety Act Reform Act (HR 2243) and the Law-Enforcement Innovate to De-Escalate Act (HR 2189). Pro-gun organizations like the NRA and Gun Owners of America have given him low ratings, including 0% and 8%.

““Our thoughts and prayers are not enough to prevent gun violence. Common sense gun safety reform in our country is long overdue, and I will continue fighting to pass these measures into law to keep our communities safe. These bills will prevent guns from falling into the hands of criminals and bad actors while respecting the rights of responsible gun owners. We have a responsibility not to turn a blind eye to the kind of senseless violence we see far too often across our country, and we must take reasonable steps to save lives.” - Congressman Pappas, Pappas Backs Three Gun Violence Prevention Bills”