Lamont Earns Democratic Nomination For Governor But Primary Expected

On Saturday afternoon, Gov. Ned Lamont received the Democratic Party's nomination for a third term as governor, but a primary challenge is expected.

Lamont won the party's nod with 75 percent of the votes, but his challenger, State Rep. Josh Elliott, earned 25 percent, which is enough to force a primary, WFSB 3 TV reports.

"I am honored to earn the strong support of the Democratic delegates today, and I look forward to getting out and making the case for how we can build on the progress we’ve made in turning Connecticut around," Lamont. "Our party is united by a clear vision for the future, and I am confident that when voters look at our record of putting working families first, an economy that works for everyone, historic investments in childcare and education, middle class tax cuts, all while reducing the debt and balancing the budget, they will choose to keep Connecticut moving forward."

Original post: Hundreds of Connecticut Democrats are meeting this weekend to endorse their candidates for governor and other key state positions.

The 2026 Connecticut Democratic State Constitutional Convention is scheduled for Saturday, May 16 in Hartford.

Incumbent Gov. Ned Lamont is seeking the nomination for governor, as is State Rep. Josh Elliott.

Lamont, who hopes for a third term, says he has gotten results for the state.

Lamont points to several accomplishments during his time as governor so far, such as increasing the state minimum wage. According to Lamont, his leadership led to the creation of debt-free community college, creating opportunity for all state residents, for example.

View Lamont’s campaign page and more information on his platform HERE.

Josh Elliott, a Hamden small-business owner, won the 88th District House seat in the Connecticut General Assembly in 2016. He currently serves as deputy speaker and majority caucus co-chair. His platform includes revamping the state’s tax system to benefit working families, lowering energy costs, and protecting the environment, for example.

View Elliott’s campaign page and more information on his platform HERE.

If a candidate fails to secure the nomination, they can still try to win the governor’s seat. A candidate who doesn’t get the convention’s nomination, but gets 15 percent of the support, automatically qualifies for a primary on August 11. They can also circulate a petition to get on the ballot.

Underticket nominations are also expected to be handled at the convention this weekend, such as for lieutenant governor, attorney general, treasurer, comptroller and secretary of state.

Election Day is Tuesday, Nov. 3.

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