WASHINGTON — Today, the Human Rights Campaign (HRC), the nation’s largest lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ) civil rights organization, announced its endorsement of Chris Pappas (D) in his bid to represent the people of New Hampshire’s 1st Congressional District. If elected, Pappas would be New Hampshire’s first openly gay Member of Congress.

“Chris Pappas is a proven leader who will fight each and every day in Congress to advance LGBTQ equality and stand up to the hateful politics of Donald Trump and Mike Pence," said HRC President Chad Griffin. “Having served the people of New Hampshire for more than a decade, Pappas is unwavering in his commitment to make real and positive change on behalf of his constituents. He is the clear choice for fair-minded voters who believe in liberty, justice, and equality for all, and HRC is proud to endorse Chris Pappas in his historic bid for Congress.”

"We're thrilled to receive the endorsement of the Human Rights Campaign in this race. They have been tireless advocates for LGBTQ+ Americans and our fight for equality,” said Chris Pappas. “I hope my primary victory has some small impact in making young LGBTQ+ Granite Staters know that they have a voice and deserve a seat at the table.”

If elected to Congress, Chris Pappas has pledged to support the Equality Act — critically important federal legislation that would finally add clear, comprehensive non-discrimination protections for LGBTQ people to our nation's civil rights laws. He is also committed to standing up to the Trump-Pence Administration’s endless attacks on the LGBTQ community; working to protect LGBTQ individuals from the dangerous and discredited practice of so-called conversion therapy; and fighting to preserve and improve the Affordable Care Act.

Across New Hampshire, HRC has identified more than 49,000 LGBTQ voters and more than 289,000 “Equality Voters” — meaning they are strong supporters of progressive LGBTQ policies including marriage equality, equitable family law, and laws that prohibit discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation or gender identity. Last year, HRC announced a coast-to-coast campaign to mobilize these voters for the midterm elections called HRC Rising, which represents the largest grassroots expansion in the organization’s 38-year history.

The Human Rights Campaign is America’s largest civil rights organization working to achieve equality for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer people. HRC envisions a world where LGBTQ people are embraced as full members of society at home, at work, and in every community.

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