U.S. Rep. John Larson, who has served Connecticut's 1st Congressional District for nearly 30 years, lost Tuesday's Democratic primary to former Hartford Mayor Luke Bronin, who said it was time for new leadership and a fresh perspective in Washington.
“This is a political earthquake in Connecticut," Bronin told supporters at his victory party. "But the goal is to shake things up in Washington D.C. and we're just getting started.”
As of late Tuesday night, Bronin had 54% of the vote, while Larson trailed with 33% in a race that featured four candidates.
Bronin, who had campaigned on generational change, shouted out younger supporters, saying they were his "not-so-secret weapon" throughout the campaign.
"I hope that this campaign helps to send a message that if leaders in our party don’t recognize that we need to make changes, then the changes are going to come from the ground up," Bronin said. "And that’s a message our party needs to hear."
Larson was reflective as he addressed supporters, talking about the importance of his family and his appreciation for the support he received from voters and members of Connecticut’s congressional delegation.
He told the audience that it was time to "come together, heal, and move forward."
“The people in this district have spoken and it’s time for us to come together and make sure that we all join forces because the issue here ... is Donald Trump and what he’s doing to this country," Larson said.
“Life goes on,” he added. "Yeah, I am disappointed — no question about it. But far from disheartened. We have responsibility and a job to do, and we've got to come together as people, as a Democratic Party, and fight for what's right for the American people."
Larson, however, did not answer a reporter's question about whether he'd continue to find a way to run for his seat.
During his address, Bronin thanked Larson for his decades of public service, saying he's "earned all of our respect and gratitude."
The 1st Congressional District primary was heated over the past several months as Larson faced three challengers.
Larson, 78, touted his decades in Congress, saying experience matters and that his seniority helps Connecticut. But his challengers said that it was time for a change in leadership.
His most well-financed challenger was Bronin, the endorsed candidate in the race. The other candidates were state Rep. Jillian Gilchrest of West Hartford and Ruth Fortune, a Hartford Board of Education member and attorney.
Voters were inundated with mailers, TV ads and text messages in recent weeks as outside groups poured in more than $2 million to influence the election.
Lamont wins Democratic gubernatorial primary
Meanwhile, Gov. Ned Lamont easily defeated state Rep. Josh Elliott in the Democratic gubernatorial primary.
The Associated Press called the election just 20 minutes after polls closed. Lamont, seeking a third term, will face Republican state Sen. Ryan Fazio in November.
Lamont, addressing supporters at his watch party, said that Elliott ran a “feisty campaign” and that he looked forward to working with him to take on the Republican candidate.
“A lot of other parties around the country are shrinking," Lamont said. "We have a big tent and we’re expanding — liberals, progressives, moderates, small business, labor, independents, even a few right-minded Republicans because we have one thing in mind: affordability and opportunity for all the people of the state of Connecticut.”
Elliott told supporters that "hard fights are worth fighting."
“We know what it takes to invest in our education system and our transportation system," Elliott said. "Fighting against climate change. We know what it takes to fight for LGBTQ+ adolescence. We know what it takes to fight for people with disabilities. Because we've done it before. Why have we stopped? We can do more.”
GOP congressional primary winners
Republican congressional candidate Chris Shea declared victory in the GOP primary for the 5th Congressional District.
Shea, a New Haven firefighter and retired Navy SEAL, defeated Jonathan De Barros and will face incumbent Democratic U.S. Rep. Jahana Hayes in the general election.
“We can move forward as a strong and united Connecticut Republican Party and focus our efforts, resources and talents toward firing Jahana Hayes and electing a congressional candidate who will deliver for the people of this district,” Shea said in a statement.
Michael Goldstein won the Republican primary for the 4th Congressional District, defeating Daniel Miressi. Goldstein, a doctor and attorney, will face Democratic U.S. Rep. Jim Himes.
Khan defeats incumbent for CT Senate seat
In the state legislature, State Rep. Maryam Khan declared victory against longtime State Sen. Doug McCrory in the Democratic primary for Senate District 2.
McCrory has held the senate seat since 2017, but his last term was clouded by an ongoing federal probe into his ties with a nonprofit that received state funding. McCrory has denied any wrongdoing.
Khan won the party's endorsement in a three-way race. She campaigned on issues including affordability and education funding.
"This campaign was really about the people of this district and making sure that the issues that matter to the people of this district won, and I feel great that that’s what won tonight," Khan told supporters Tuesday night.
The district covers parts of Bloomfield, Hartford and Windsor.
Khan faces Republican Timothy Knotts in the November election.
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Connecticut Public's Maysoon Khan and Eric Aasen contributed to this report, as did Connecticut Public/Connecticut Mirror's Lisa Hagen.
