Incumbent Democrat Chris Pappas wins re-election in bellwether New Hampshire’s House seat

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Democratic incumbent Rep. Chris Pappas won re-election on Tuesday in New Hampshire’s first congressional district by defeating Republican challenger Karoline Leavitt. 

Incumbent Pappas, the first openly gay member of Congress from New Hampshire, formerly served in the New Hampshire state House of Representatives and on the New Hampshire Executive Council. 

He has represented this district since 2019. Pappas' GOP opponent, 25-year-old Leavitt, is a former assistant press secretary for the Trump administration and former communications director for House Republican Conference Chair Elise Stefanik.

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U.S. Representative Chris Pappas (D-NH) speaks at the Manchester Democratic City Committee Flag Day Dinner in Manchester, New Hampshire, U.S., June 14, 2019. (Brian Snyder)

Inflation was a centerpiece of the race, as Leavitt blamed household budget concerns and high electricity bills on Speaker Nancy Pelosi and President Biden’s agenda.

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During an Oct. 25 debate between the two candidates, illegal immigration and the ongoing opioid crisis were major issues of contention. 

"Congressman, respectfully, you've done nothing to push back against the Biden administration to stop the flow of illegal drugs into our communities," Leavitt told Pappas.

Republican congressional candidate Karoline Leavitt marches in a parade in Gilford, New Hampshire on August 27, 2022 (Karoline Leavitt congressional campaign)

Abortion was also a topic in the debate, with Leavitt supporting state legislatures deciding limitations on abortion and Pappas advocating for codifying abortion access at the federal level.

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Pappas significantly outraised Leavitt, bringing in $4.2 million as of Sept. 30 compared to Leavitt’s $2.6 million.

Fox News' Alexandra Orbuch contributed to this report.