Polls have closed across Connecticut, and votes are being counted in the race for the state's 5th Congressional District, where Democratic U.S. Rep. Jahana Hayes is seeking another term against Republican challenger Chris Shea.
The election will determine who represents the district in the U.S. House of Representatives for the next two years.
The 5th Congressional District includes Danbury, New Britain, Meriden, Bethel, Brookfield, Newtown and Southbury, along with portions of Waterbury and Torrington and other communities across western and central Connecticut.
Hayes, a Waterbury Democrat who has represented the district since 2019, is a former public school teacher and the 2016 National Teacher of the Year.
She campaigned on lowering the cost of living, protecting access to affordable health care, strengthening public education and preserving federal assistance programs.
Shea, a Republican from Cheshire, is a retired Navy SEAL, firefighter and former small business owner making his first run for Congress.
His campaign focused on lowering taxes and household expenses, reducing federal spending, strengthening border security and improving support for veterans and law enforcement.
The candidates also offered differing approaches to health care, immigration and trade policy during an Oct. 13 debate.
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Polls closed at 8 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 3. Voters who were in line by 8 p.m. were still permitted to cast their ballots.
Results will be updated as vote totals become available and the race is called.
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