04.11.2026 04:40
A result that drew attention from Turkey's perspective emerged from the US congressional midterm elections. Greek-American Democrat Chris Pappas defeated Republican John Sununu in the Senate race in New Hampshire. Pappas, known for his initiatives against the sale of F-16 and F-35s to Turkey, had made statements about President Erdoğan in the past. The politician, known for his objections to Ankara's defense policies, won the right to move from the House of Representatives to the Senate with his election victory.
Democratic politician Chris Pappas, known for his anti-Turkey initiatives, won the right to move to the Senate in the US midterm elections. The result from New Hampshire brought Pappas's past stance toward Ankara back onto the agenda.
PAPPAS, KNOWN FOR HIS ANTI-TURKEY INITIATIVES, WON
In the congressional midterm elections held in the US on November 3, Democratic Party candidate from New Hampshire Chris Pappas defeated Republican John Sununu to win the Senate seat. Pappas, who serves in the House of Representatives, will continue his career in American politics in the Senate with this result. The election victory of the politician of Greek origin also drew attention because of the steps he took toward Turkey in the past.
HE TRIED TO BLOCK F-16 SALES TO TURKEY
One of Chris Pappas's most notable initiatives regarding Turkey took place in 2022. The Democratic politician introduced a measure aimed at imposing restrictions on the F-16 fighter jets that Ankara wanted to buy from the US. Pappas advocated tying the sale of fighter jets to Turkey to assurances regarding Greece's airspace. The legislative initiative became part of the debates in the US Congress over defense sales to Turkey.
HE HAD MADE STATEMENTS ABOUT PRESIDENT ERDOĞAN
Pappas had also reacted in March 2026 to Turkey's deployment of F-16 fighter jets to Northern Cyprus. In remarks directed at President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, the Democratic politician claimed that Turkey was ignoring American laws. Pappas argued that the jets deployed to the region should be withdrawn.
HE ALSO OPPOSED F-35 SALES
Another issue of debate in Turkey's defense relations with the US was F-35 fighter jets. In September 2025, Pappas took part in an initiative by members of Congress sent to the US administration that advocated maintaining the legal restrictions on F-35 sales to Turkey.
HE SUPPORTS THE ARGUMENTS OF GREECE AND THE GREEK CYPRIOT ADMINISTRATION
Chris Pappas, of Greek origin, is among the co-chairs of the Greece Friendship Group (Hellenic Caucus) in the US Congress. While Pappas advocates strengthening relations between Greece and the US, he also made statements supporting the Greek Cypriot administration's arguments on the Cyprus issue.