The race for New Hampshire’s U.S. Senate seat features an unusual connection to Greece, as both Democratic Congressman Chris Pappas and his Republican opponent, former Senator John E. Sununu, have Greek ancestry, although their family backgrounds reflect different migration histories.
While Pappas is widely identified with the Greek-American community, Sununu’s Greek heritage is less familiar. His family traces its roots to Greek Orthodox communities in the Middle East, including Jerusalem and Beirut, as well as to Greek ancestors who settled in Central America.
The two candidates are competing in the November 3 election to replace retiring Democratic Senator Jeanne Shaheen, in a closely watched contest that could help determine which party controls the U.S. Senate.
Sununu’s Greek Orthodox and Middle Eastern Heritage
Sununu’s family background was documented publicly in November 1988, when his father, former New Hampshire Governor and White House Chief of Staff John H. Sununu, discussed his ancestry in an interview with The Washington Post.
The elder Sununu explained that his paternal grandparents immigrated to the United States around the beginning of the 20th century. Some relatives lived in Beirut, while others belonged to the Greek Orthodox community of Jerusalem.
His mother, Victoria Dada, was born in El Salvador, and her mother was Greek.
“That part of my family makes me part Greek American and part Hispanic American,” he told the newspaper, describing his Lebanese, Greek and Latin American heritage.
John E. Sununu, born in Boston in 1964, previously represented New Hampshire in the House of Representatives from 1997 to 2003 and the Senate from 2003 to 2009.
Pappas’ Greek-American Background and the Senate Contest
Chris Pappas, whose family immigrated from Greece, grew up in Manchester, New Hampshire, where his family operates the well-known Puritan Backroom Restaurant.
He has represented New Hampshire’s 1st Congressional District since 2019 and serves as co-chair of the Congressional Hellenic Caucus.
His Senate candidacy has attracted support from Greek-American organizations, including PSEKA and the Coordinated Effort of Hellenes, which have highlighted his involvement in issues concerning Greece, Cyprus and the Eastern Mediterranean.
The contest pits two politicians with established records in Congress against each other. Sununu is seeking to return to the Senate after losing his seat in 2008, while Pappas is pursuing his first statewide federal office.
Republicans currently hold a 53 – 47 Senate majority, making New Hampshire one of the states receiving national attention ahead of the midterm elections.
The race has also drawn substantial campaign spending, while recent polling has indicated a competitive contest. The Cook Political Report has classified the election as a toss-up
See all the latest news from Greece and the world at Greekreporter.com. Contact our newsroom to report an update or send your story, photos and videos. Follow GR on Google News and subscribe here to our daily email!
