Four-term Congressman Chris Pappas of New Hampshire has announced his bid to succeed retiring U.S. Sen. Jeanne Shaheen, a fellow Democrat, next year.

Mr. Pappas, a 44-year-old Democratic congressman, is the first major candidate to enter the race to succeed the retiring Senator Jeanne Shaheen.

Democratic Rep. Chris Pappas has launched his campaign to succeed retiring Democratic Sen. Jeanne Shaheen in New Hampshire as the party looks to defend her seat in the blue-leaning state.