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This story originally appeared on Out.
Chris Pappas just made history by becoming the first out gay man elected to the U.S. Senate.
The New Hampshire politician is part of the blue wave that swept the nation, giving the House and Senate back to the Democrats. But Pappas defeating Republican former Sen. John E. Sununu wasn’t just a history-making win for American politics, but a referendum on the Trump administrations constant attacks on LGBTQ+ families.
After the race was called, Pappas announced his victory in a speech with his husband Vann Bentley by his side. Not only did he have the support of his husband on election night but Pappas brought him on stage to thank him and give him a hug on national television.
The couple has a history of sweet moments like this that people have taken notice of. Pappas may have faced unwarranted attacks throughout his career because of his sexual orientation and same-sex relationship, but that never made the happy couple hide their love.
These moments between Pappas and his husband don’t just show us evidence of a beautiful relationship, but are proof that love and commitment can exist in gay relationships too, despite what conservatives would lead you to believe.
4. Pride parade
@chrispappasnh I’m proud to support New Hampshire’s LGBTQ+ community and the freedom for everyone to be themselves.
♬ We Are The People - Empire Of The Sun
Pappas attended Portsmouth Pride together in 2026 to support their local LGBTQ+ community and campaign for the midterms with Bentley at his side, showing off how the couple supports each other.
3. Engagment
When Pappas was up for reelection in 2018, his opponent Republican Matt Mowers used his relationship with Bentley, who the Republican claimed was a “corporate lobbyist,” against him in the campaign, but that didn’t end their relationship. Pappas and Bentley announced their engagement in 2023 with a social media post.
“We said yes!” Pappas posted. “Vann and I are thrilled to share the news of our engagement and look forward to a lifetime of happiness and togetherness.”
2. Wedding
In February 2023, Pappas and Bentley posted a series of photos announcing that they had gotten married in a beautiful ceremony in front of their family and friends.
“Vann and I are excited to share that we’re married! We feel so fortunate to have found each other and to be building our life together, and we’re grateful for the love and support of family and friends,” the X (formerly Twitter) post read.
1. Election night speech
When Pappas took the stage on November 3 to announce his historic win, he didn’t just thank his “amazing husband,” he gave him a hug in front of the crowd too, telling everyone that he would have been fine even if he had lost because of his husband.
“And look, tonight, win, lose, or draw, I’m the luckiest guy because I’m married to a man that I love,” Pappas told supporters. “And despite all the negative attacks and the lies, it’s nice to know that love and truth prevailed tonight.”
