Democratic candidate Chris Pappas won the US Senate race in New Hampshire, defeating former Republican Sen. John Sanno, becoming the first openly gay man to enter the US Senate. According to the New York Times, Pappas' victory came as gay rights faced growing opposition in several US states, and a number of human rights activists warned of a decline in public support. The 46-year-old Pappas has acted less on his sexuality and focused more on lowering the cost of living, access to health care and fighting corruption in Washington.

Democratic candidate Chris Pappas won the US Senate race in New Hampshire, defeating former Republican Sen. John Sanno, becoming the first openly gay man to enter the US Senate. According to the New York Times, Pappas' victory came as gay rights faced growing opposition in several US states, and a number of human rights activists warned of a decline in public support. The 46-year-old Pappas has acted less on his sexuality and focused more on lowering the cost of living, access to health care and fighting corruption in Washington.