The Nashua Independent: “At Nashua event, AFT–New Hampshire backs Pappas for Senate”

August 10, 2026

NASHUA, N.H. — In case you missed it, the Nashua Independent recently reported on AFT–New Hampshire’s endorsement of Congressman Chris Pappas for U.S. Senate. A proud product of Manchester public schools, Chris has spent his career fighting to make sure New Hampshire students and educators have the resources they need to succeed. In the Senate, he will continue working to strengthen public education, invest in Granite State schools, and ensure every student — regardless of their ZIP code — has the opportunity to reach their full potential.

By Dan Splaine, 8/7/26

Congressman Chris Pappas received the endorsement of the American Federation of Teachers- New Hampshire at a campaign event in Nashua on Thursday. Pappas is a candidate in the democratic primary to fill the US Senate seat being vacated by Jeanne Shaheen. The New Hampshire primary election is being held on Sept. 8.

AFT–New Hampshire represents roughly 3,500 members statewide. Its membership includes teachers, paraeducators, custodians, municipal employees and other public-sector workers. The Nashua Teachers’ Union, AFT Local 1044, represents more than 1,500 members in four bargaining units: teachers, paraeducators, clerical staff and food-service employees.

Ryan Richman, vice president of AFT–New Hampshire, spoke on behalf of the union.

“We haven’t seen somebody who is so dedicated to the Granite State way of life, defending workers’ rights, defending teachers, public education, and who will fight for us in the U.S. Senate,” Richman said.

“All we’re seeing out of Washington from the party that’s in control is higher cost of living and a more difficult life for folks here in the Granite State. Chris will fight to help reduce the cost of living. He will help to protect education, special education and workers’ rights, and I couldn’t be more proud to endorse Chris.”

“We need to make sure that every student has the opportunity to reach their full potential, to get a quality education regardless of their ZIP code,” Pappas said in response to the endorsement. “So we have to work to ensure that we’re delivering more resources to our state and our local communities to be able to deliver that education.”

“That starts with making sure that everyone has the tools they need to succeed in life,” Pappas said. “It couldn’t be more important to stand behind our public schools and our educators today to make sure they do what they do best for New Hampshire students and students all across the country. I’m just really honored to have the support of AFT in this campaign. Thank you for all that our educators do.”

The endorsement preceded the opening ceremony for the Granite State Victory campaign office on Main Street. Pappas was joined by U.S. Rep. Maggie Goodlander, Nashua Mayor Jim Donchess, dozens of Democratic candidates and a large crowd of supporters.

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