Chris Pappas Biography
Chris Pappas is an American politician and Democratic leader from New Hampshire. He serves as the U.S. Representative for New Hampshire’s 1st District since 2019.
Born on June 4, 1980, in Manchester, New Hampshire, he grew up in a family rooted in public service. He graduated from Harvard University with a degree in government in 2002.
Early in his career, Pappas served in the New Hampshire House of Representatives and as Hillsborough County Treasurer. Later, he was elected to the New Hampshire Executive Council.
In 2018, he made history as the first openly gay member of Congress from New Hampshire. He won a fourth consecutive term in 2024, showing strong voter support for his focus on affordability and local needs.
In April 2025, Pappas announced his campaign for the U.S. Senate seat opening in 2026. He continues working on issues like economic security, healthcare access, and small business support.
Beyond politics, he co‑owns his family’s Puritan Backroom restaurant in Manchester. Pappas lives with his husband, Vann Bentley, and remains active in community service and civic engagement.
Chris Pappas Age : How Old Is the U.S. Congressman?
Chris Pappas was born on June 4, 1980, in Manchester, New Hampshire, making him 45 years old in 2026. He celebrates his birthday every June with family and friends in his hometown. At 45, Pappas combines experience and energy in national politics, serving as the U.S. Representative for New Hampshire’s 1st District.
Chris Pappas’s Height
How tall is Chris Pappas?
The exact height of Chris Pappas is not publicly known. However, his presence reflects confidence and leadership. While his physical stature remains private, he consistently demonstrates authority and professionalism in Congress. Voters recognize his influence, dedication, and active engagement, making his political impact far more notable than his height.
Chris Pappas Husband
Chris Pappas married his husband, Vann Bentley, in February 2023 after announcing their engagement in December 2021. They live together in Manchester, New Hampshire, where they enjoy life with family and friends. Before their wedding, Bentley worked as a policy executive and former lobbyist. Moreover, Pappas celebrated their marriage publicly on social media. As a couple, they support LGBTQ rights and marriage equality through both personal example and political advocacy. Their partnership highlights Pappas’s role in passing the Respect for Marriage Act.
Chris Pappas Children | Kids
Chris Pappas, the U.S. Representative for New Hampshire’s 1st District, does not have any children. He lives with his husband, Vann Bentley, in Manchester, New Hampshire. Although Pappas supports family‑friendly policy issues like expanding the Child Tax Credit, his own family does not include children. As a public figure, he focuses on legislation and community service, not raising kids.
Chris Pappas Parents
Chris Pappas grew up in Manchester, New Hampshire, surrounded by family support. His mother’s name is Dawn Pappas and his father’s name is Arthur Pappas. Together, they raised him with strong community values and work ethic. Moreover, his paternal lineage traces back to Greek immigrants who built lasting roots in New Hampshire. His parents supported his education and early interest in public service. As a result, Pappas’s family background influenced his leadership and dedication to serving others. Their values shaped his commitment to community, business, and national politics.
Chris Pappas Education
Chris Pappas attended public schools in Manchester, New Hampshire, where he built his early academic foundation. Then he graduated from Manchester Central High School in 1998 with solid grades and strong community involvement. Later, he earned a Bachelor of Arts in government from Harvard University in 2002. At Harvard, he studied politics, public policy, and leadership, shaping his future career in public service. His education reflects a balance of local roots and elite higher learning, preparing him for roles in business and national politics.
Chris Pappas Political Party : Democratic Leader from New Hampshire
Chris Pappas is a proud member of the Democratic Party, representing New Hampshire’s 1st District in the U.S. House of Representatives. He has served as a Democrat in Congress since 2019, winning several elections with broad voter support. Moreover, his Democratic affiliation shapes his policy priorities, including healthcare access, economic security, and family support legislation. As a leading Democratic voice, he debates federal issues with colleagues in both parties. In addition, Pappas launched his 2026 Senate campaign as a Democratic candidate aiming to extend his public service.
Chris Pappas’s Senate : U.S. Senate Campaign & New Hampshire Race
Chris Pappas announced his run for the U.S. Senate seat in New Hampshire in 2025, aiming to replace retiring Senator Jeanne Shaheen. He leads key Democrats in the 2026 Senate primary race with strong establishment support. Moreover, Pappas has released issue‑focused proposals, like his Tax Cuts and Lower Costs Blueprint to tackle healthcare affordability. Recent polls show him competing closely with Republican opponents, including former Senator John Sununu. If elected, Pappas could become one of the few openly gay U.S. Senators, furthering historic LGBTQ representation. His Senate campaign prioritizes lowering costs, expanding access to care, and strengthening New Hampshire’s economy.
Chris Pappas Salary
Pappas earns the standard annual U.S. House Representative salary of $174,000 for his service in Congress. This salary applies to all members of the U.S. House, including Pappas as the Representative for New Hampshire’s 1st District. In addition, he receives government benefits tied to his role, such as retirement eligibility after five years and limited outside income rules. Moreover, his congressional pay supports his public service work and political responsibilities.
Chris Pappas Net Worth
Chris Pappas has an estimated net worth around $4.4 million as a U.S. Representative and public servant. This estimate considers his congressional salary, campaign fundraising, and reported financial disclosures. His wealth reflects income sources beyond politics, such as local business interests and investments. Moreover, Pappas’s net worth has grown modestly over time as he gains experience in national leadership.
