RYE — U.S. Rep. Chris Pappas and former U.S. Sen. John Sununu discussed Social Security, housing and workforce issues during an Oct. 27 forum hosted by the Seacoast Chamber Alliance, laying out contrasting policy approaches a week before voters decide the closely watched U.S. Senate race.
Social Security: shared concern, different prescriptions
Both candidates told business leaders they favored a bipartisan response to the projected shortfall in Social Security’s Old-Age and Survivors Insurance trust fund, which is forecast to be exhausted in the fourth quarter of 2032. They framed the issue as one requiring collaboration in Congress rather than unilateral cuts.
“I think there’s a bipartisan commitment to saving the program,” Pappas said. “For me, privatization, which is very costly because you’re taking workers out of the system and you have to make up that shortfall, is not a solution. Cutting benefits to people that have paid into the system, and are already working long and hard enough and are dealing with all these increased costs in their retirement years, that’s a non-starter for me.”
Pappas emphasized protecting benefits for current and future retirees and said he would resist proposals that would reduce payments to people who have contributed to Social Security. The forum summary indicated Sununu acknowledged the need for reforms and has a history of supporting private investment accounts during his prior Senate tenure, though the event coverage did not include a verbatim quote laying out a new, specific package from Sununu.
Housing and workforce plans
On housing, both men identified the affordability crisis as central to workforce challenges in New Hampshire but proposed different remedies. Pappas and Sununu each endorsed measures to speed housing production and ease costs for employers recruiting workers. The candidates agreed on strengthening the community college system to help meet employer demand for skilled workers.
- Pappas called for reducing regulatory barriers and targeted state and federal supports to expand housing supply and workforce training.
- Sununu urged cutting red tape and removing tariffs as part of a broader effort to lower construction costs and spur private development, according to the forum report.
Campaign context and polling
The Rye forum came as the Senate contest between Pappas and Sununu drew national attention in a race that could affect control of the Senate and the House. A St. Anselm College poll published Oct. 22 showed Pappas leading 50% to 43% in the matchup. Business representatives from the Seacoast questioned the candidates about costs of living, workforce recruitment and federal policy impacts on the region.
With the Nov. 3 general election one week away, both campaigns are emphasizing themes they argue will most directly affect Granite Staters: protection of retirement benefits, housing affordability and training for in-demand jobs.
