“I’m the luckiest guy because I’m married to a man that I love,” the Democrat said in his acceptance speech

NEED TO KNOW

• Chris Pappas made history on Nov. 3 when he was announced as the first openly gay politician to win a seat in the Senate
• The New Hampshire Democrat defeated Republican John E. Sununu
• Pappas celebrated his victory alongside husband Vann Bentley, praising his love and support

Chris Pappas has made history in New Hampshire.

On Tuesday, Nov. 3, the 46-year-old Democrat was announced the election night winner, securing a Senate seat and becoming the first openly gay man to do so, defeating Republican John E. Sununu.

“I want to thank my extended family, who has always shown up for me each and every day. To my amazing parents, who have set the best example of public service and hard work, and giving back to the community, and unconditional love,” he said in his acceptance speech.

“I want to thank the guy next to me, my amazing husband, Vann [Bentley],” Pappas added as the crowd cheered them on.

Bentley appeared in the camera frame, smiling as he hugged his spouse and waved to their supporters.

“How ‘bout it?” Pappas said while continuing to smile, taking a moment to appreciate the applause.

After seeing the reaction to Bentley, the politician joked, “Alright, the wrong person was on the ballot, apparently.”

“But he’s always been by my side,” he added 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. And despite all the negative attacks and the lies, it’s nice to know that love and truth prevailed tonight.”

Pappas and Bentley live together in Manchester, where they “enjoy running, playing competitive board games, and spending time with their nieces, nephews, and extended family,” according to his official website. 

The politician is a descendant of Greek immigrants who attended public schools before graduating from Harvard. He also owns a small business, running his family’s 109-year-old restaurant.

Election night saw a wave of historic results as Democrats regained control of the United States Senate and House for the upcoming term.

As of Wednesday, Nov. 4, the Democratic Party had a 54-44 Senate majority, winning seven seats, according to the Associated Press.

In addition to Pappas becoming the first openly gay Senate member, Keisha Lance Bottoms made history in Georgia as the first Black female governor in the nation’s history after defeating her Republican opponent, billionaire Rick Jackson.

Deb Haaland, a Democrat, also became the nation’s first female Native American governor of New Mexico.

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“I wasn’t on the Ballot and if I was, we would have won IN A LANDSLIDE! Thank you for your attention to this matter,” President Donald Trump, 80, wrote in response to the historic night via Truth Social.

He also posted an image of a red hat, similar to his MAGA merchandise, that read “VETO” on the front, and seemingly blamed Fox News for Republican losses: “FoxNews bears responsibility for these losses by constantly and consistently putting on the Dumocrat opposition, and worse. GOD BLESS AMERICA! President DONALD J. TRUMP”

However, Trump, 80, told The New York Times he would accept the results of the election, even as his party was defeated in a stunning loss. 

The president said he would not challenge the results of the midterms, telling the Times, “We’ll, you know, look forward to working with them. We’ll probably work something out.”

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