Pappas explores Senate run with statewide Grounded in Granite tour

LACONIA — Democratic Congressman Chris Pappas (NH-01) fielded questions and addressed concerns from constituents at the headquarters of the Belknap County Democratic Party on Union Avenue Saturday afternoon. 

About 70 people — mostly Democrats, but also independents and a sole self-identified Republican — packed the Union Avenue basement and mingled amongst themselves while awaiting the arrival of the fourth-term congressman, reelected in November and considering entering the race for United States Senate.

U.S. Sen. Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) shared her intention on March 12 not to seek reelection next year to the upper chamber, and Pappas last week embarked on a 10-county Grounded in Granite tour, speaking with constituents across the state. 

Pappas had just arrived from Stratham, where around 1,000 voters gathered to engage with him on questions of state and federal policy Saturday. That town hall was moved from Exeter to accommodate more people.

In Laconia, voters expressed anxiety in the face of fast-changing federal policy. They were frustrated regarding the perceived weakening of the separation of powers, referencing numerous times the apparent degradation of the judiciary, and angry about perceived corruption surrounding President Donald Trump and Elon Musk. 

“They are testing the limits of what they’ll be able to get away with,” he said. 

Pappas agreed with some voter concerns expressed at the intimate town hall meeting, noting much of federal executive branch action taken of late is occurring outside of the mechanisms for congressional oversight. 

“What are you going to do about it?” one woman yelled from the crowd. “That’s what I want to know.”

The congressman stressed the importance of civic engagement and participation, thanking voters for attending his town hall and encouraging them to speak out loudly and often regarding their preferences and beliefs. Writing letters to the editor of newspapers and making calls to state and federal representatives can go a long way, he said. 

“The silver lining here is that people are paying attention,” Pappas said. 

When asked about the commitment of Congress to supporting Ukraine in the war against Russia, Pappas said there are many representatives on either side of the aisle who remain steadfast in that commitment, and chastised the Trump administration for “turning their backs” on an ally.

“Shame on the president,” Pappas said. “Ronald Reagan would be rolling over in his grave.”

But Pappas said he’s hopeful cooperation between parties will continue, noting he has a strong record of bipartisanship in the House. He said the segment of voters who were motivated to vote for Trump over concerns about the economy, stagnant wages and the rate of inflation may provide inroads for compromise. 

“I think there’s an opportunity to build bridges with folks,” he said. 

In the meantime, Pappas said he’s focused on defending political norms and standing in opposition to what many view as extralegal actions taken by the current administration, particularly within the executive agencies. He pointed to budget reconciliation, and warned cuts to programs like Medicaid would have profound impacts to the people of New Hampshire. 

“It’s this reconciliation bill that they have been putting together that seeks to gut the Medicaid program,” Pappas said. “To give tax breaks to the wealthiest Americans, as if the billionaires out there — billionaires like Elon Musk — need another tax break.”

“We know that over 20% of kids are on the Medicaid program, we know that most seniors who are in long-term care also receive Medicaid,” Pappas said. “We know that Medicaid expansion in New Hampshire covers about 68,000 individuals — it has been the best tool we have to fight the opioid epidemic.”

Pappas said the next serious fight is exactly that — the one over Medicaid. He said the power of the judiciary will be challenged as a result of Trump’s electoral victory, and constituents and their representatives can’t lose sight of the need to speak out in defense of democratic ideals.

“This is not normal, this is not legal,” Pappas said in reference to significant reductions to the number of federal employees, noting about one in three federal employees are military veterans.

He does see an opportunity to build a broader coalition — through addressing the concerns of constituents related to reproductive choice, protections for the environment and climate change prevention and focusing on the disparities and balance of power between working people and large corporations and their billionaires. Noting he swung Laconia blue in November, Pappas said working on the issues most people care about is a recipe for electoral success.

“We need to be speaking out for smart policies,” he said. 

But Democrats do not have enough power to push their agenda through the legislative branch of government, a tough pill not easily swallowed by the crowd. 

“Look, we don’t have all the leverage we need within the halls of Congress,” he said.