Below is a verbatim transcript of the video released by U.S. Rep. Chris Pappas announcing he’s running for U.S. Senate in 2026.
“I think people, regardless of their politics, have a sense that the system is not working, that there are special interests and big corporations that have outsized influence in our political system.
“Everywhere we go, we hear it: Veterans, parents, small business owners, people who have done everything right, asking, ‘Why does it feel like the system is rigged?’
“You think about the Social Security office that’s going to be closed in Littleton. Drastic cuts to Medicaid. All in the name of giving big tax breaks to billionaires like Elon Musk.
“I do get angry, because when you’re talking about public service, you should be focused on how you can help people, how you can make people’s lives better. I learned about serving the community running our family business, which has been around for over 100 years. Every day at the restaurant, you need to bring hard work and determination to get the job done.
“That’s what I’ve always tried to do in Congress: Whether it’s taking on Big Pharma to lower prices, fighting polluters who contaminate our water, or standing up to political extremists who want to take rights away. Public service is about how we create the better future that people deserve.
“It’s important to show up and to continue to listen and learn from the people in this state because they have an important story to tell. And we need to see more of that sense of common spirit in our country, and certainly in the United States Senate.
“What I hear from people is they want someone who shows up, someone who listens and someone who isn’t afraid to take on the big fights. And more importantly today, who knows how to win them.
“I’m grounded in New Hampshire values of hard work, fairness and never backing down. It’s how I fought in Congress, and it’s why today I’m announcing my campaign for the United States Senate.
“We’re in turbulent, dangerous times. But here’s what I know: Granite Staters don’t flinch. We don’t give in. We fight, and together with the grit and determination that built this state, we will get our country back on track: Stronger, fairer, freer. Working for everyone.”
