Historic NH Congress Race: Eddie Edwards Vs. Chris Pappas

FIRST DISTRICT, NH -- New Hampshire currently has the first and only all-women congressional delegation. That will change November 6 when voters choose between Republican Eddie Edwards and Democrat Chris Pappas to replace outgoing Congresswoman Carol Shea-Porter. Granite State voters will again make history, as they will elect either their first black congressman in Edwards or their first gay congressman in Pappas.

Pappas, of Manchester, is an executive councilor and Edwards, of Dover, is a former South Hampton police chief and New Hampshire Liquor Commission enforcement chief. With two weeks to go until the election, Pappas was leading Edwards by a margin of 46 percent to 37 percent, according to the latest University of New Hampshire Granite State Poll. New Hampshire's First District is one of several key swing districts across the country that will be decided Election Day November 6. That fact was underscored in the September primary, which featured a whopping 15 candidates on both sides.

Pappas defeated 10 other candidates — including Levi Sanders, the son of Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders. Edwards beat out five other candidates, including second-place finisher Andy Sanborn, a state senator.

Pappas has made health care his top issue.

"We have to make sure health care is treated as a right in this country and not a privilege," he told WMUR.

Edwards told WMUR his top issue is term limits and reforming government administration. Edwards is also focused on the state's opioid crisis and is a board member of the Partnership for a Drug-Free New Hampshire.

Pappas and Edwards squared off earlier this month during a debate hosted by New Hampshire Public Radio. On the topic of gun control, Pappas said he believes the country can take "common sense steps to save lives and keep our communities safe." Said Edwards, "We have a problem with violence in our country; not guns."

The pair also downplayed the historic nature of the race during the NHPR debate.

"The notion that we start to believe that we're special because of our sexual orientation, our race, our gender -- we do a disservice to every born in this country," Edwards said. "I'm not special because I'm black. Chris is not special because he's gay. You're not special because you're a woman. We're special because of what we give back to our communities, our nation, and our families."

Added Pappas, "It's not meaningful to me. But I truly believe that we're all in this together and that by telling your own story, you can ensure that other people are accepted in their communities and can live their truth and pursue a healthy and successful life."

The First District race was leaning Democratic with two weeks to go until the election, according to Politico. For four terms, Shea-Porter has represented the First District, which covers the eastern part of the state — including Manchester, the biggest city in New Hampshire. The First District includes the Patch communities of Portsmouth, Hampton, Exeter, Merrimack, Bedford and Londonderry.

New Hampshire's other congressional representative, Democrat Ann Kuster, is also running for re-election November 6. The state's U.S. Senate delegation is comprised of Democrats Jeanne Shaheen (up for re-election in 2020) and Maggie Hassan (up for re-election in 2022).

Related:

• NH Congresswoman Ann Kuster Seeks Re-Election Vs. Steve Negron
• NH Governor Chris Sununu Seeks Re-Election Vs. Molly Kelly

Photo credits: Chris Pappas (left) and Eddie Edwards via New Hampshire State Police (right)