Jewish Voter Guide
Chris Pappas
U.S. Senate · NH · Democrat
Summary
Representative Chris Pappas is the Democratic nominee in New Hampshire's 2026 U.S. Senate election and will face Republican nominee John E. Sununu.
Representative Chris Pappas is the Democratic candidate in New Hampshire's Senate race. Pappas has historically been a reliable supporter of the U.S.-Israel relationship and in February 2026 described it as a cornerstone of U.S. national security. During the 2026 campaign, however, he has also said the relationship is at a turning point, criticized Prime Minister Netanyahu, and emphasized that support for Israel's security does not require support for every Israeli government policy.
Pappas has condemned Hamas and supports efforts to combat Hamas and Hezbollah, while also supporting humanitarian and peacebuilding assistance for Palestinians. In July 2026 he voted present on an amendment that would have broadly reduced Israel and regional funding, explaining that the measure would cut both Israel security assistance and programs supporting Palestinian peacebuilding and counterterrorism. He has opposed President Trump's unauthorized war with Iran while recognizing the need to confront Iran's terrorism and nuclear program. The reviewed sources did not establish detailed positions on campus antisemitism, Jewish institutional security, or international organizations.
The record
Positions come from public votes, statements and on-the-record interviews. Every claim links to its source. No aggregate score or grade.
Support for a Strong U.S.-Israel Alliance
-
At a February 2026 AIPAC congressional summit, Pappas described himself as a strong supporter of the bipartisan U.S.-Israel relationship and called it a cornerstone of national security. By August, he also said the relationship needed a reset and expressed hope for new Israeli political leadership.
-
In July 2026, Pappas voted present on an amendment that would have broadly cut U.S. funding related to Israel and the region. He said the amendment was too sweeping because it would damage both Israel security assistance and Palestinian peacebuilding and counterterrorism programs, while also stating that he would not endorse Netanyahu government policies he considered disproportionate or extreme.
Preventing a Nuclear Iran
- Pappas has opposed an unauthorized U.S. war with Iran while supporting efforts to confront Iran's terrorism, nuclear program, and ballistic-missile threat through lawful pressure, sanctions, and diplomacy. In July 2026 he voted for a House war-powers resolution directing removal of U.S. forces from hostilities with Iran.
Condemning and Combating Terrorism
- Pappas has supported U.S. programs aimed at combating Hamas and Hezbollah and has opposed broad funding cuts that he argued would undermine counterterrorism and regional peacebuilding.
Response to Hamas's October 7 Attack
- Pappas has supported efforts to secure the release of hostages held by Hamas and has backed congressional action condemning Hamas.
Engagement with the Jewish Community
- Pappas participated in a February 2026 AIPAC congressional summit and has engaged with pro-Israel advocates and Jewish constituents during the campaign. Participation in a pro- Israel organization's event is treated as engagement, not as proof that he accepts every position of the organization.
Source
A note on methodology. This guide is published as an educational reference. The American Jewish Congress does not endorse candidates and does not publish aggregate scores. If you spot a position that needs an update or a better source, please reach the office.