04/29/2026
NH Journal: The Progressive Pros Behind ‘Moderate’ Pappas’ Campaign
What does Rep. Chris Pappas have in common with Mayor Zohran [Mamdani], Massachusetts Gov. Maura Healey, and Black Lives Matter? Like Pappas, they’re all clients of Middle Seat, the self-described “full-service firm for progressive causes and candidates.” In fact, it’s so active on the far left that, until 2021, the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee blacklisted it.
Middle Seat, which Bernie Sanders staffers founded, makes no secret of its far-left politics. “We support campaigns, organizations, and causes fighting for racial justice, climate action, immigrant rights, intersectional feminism, economic justice, and more,” according to its website.
That includes the so-called “Justice Democrats,” aka “The Squad,” and MoveOn.org.
Pappas has carefully cultivated his image as a more moderate Democrat — no easy feat for someone who voted with Speaker Nancy Pelosi 222 out of 223 times, and who opposes centrist positions like requiring voter ID or keeping boys out of girls’ sports. That may help explain the more than $2 million he’s paid Middle Seat thus far, according to his filings.
Michael Graham
NH Journal
April 26, 2026
Reprinted with Permission from the NH Journal.
