Dem congressman lashes Musk in opening salvo of populist bid in 2026 swing-state Senate race

Striking a populist theme and showcasing that he is a fighter, Democratic Rep. Chris Pappas on Thursday declared his candidacy in the 2026 race to succeed retiring Sen. Jeanne Shaheen, a fellow Democrat, in the key swing state of New Hampshire.

"What I hear from people, 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," Pappas said in a campaign launch video posted on social media. 

Using clips of a listening tour he made through all 10 of New Hampshire's counties last month as he ramps up toward running for the Senate, Pappas said voters feel like "the system's 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 ...