1st Congressional Dems: Bronin Defeats Longtime Incumbent Larson In Primary: UPDATE

HARTFORD, CT — In a clear sign of a changing of the political guard in central Connecticut and the nation, former Hartford Mayor Luke Bronin, 47, cruised to a primary victory over an entrenched incumbent in the 1st Congressional District Democratic primary Tuesday.

As a result, U.S. Rep. John Larson, D-1st District, who also did not secure the Democratic Party’s endorsement in May, will be done representing his district in the U.S. House of Representatives, a role he has had since 1999.

With more than 97 percent of the precincts reporting numbers Wednesday morning, Bronin had a resounding lead over Larson and the rest of the Democrats, prompting Larson's concession.

According to unofficial results from the Connecticut Secretary of the State's office, Bronin led the four-candidate field, receiving 28,441 votes, or 54.39%.

Larson received 17,094 votes, or 32.69%, according to the results.

Meanwhile, U.S. Rep. Jillian Gilchrest, D-West Hartford, received 4,273 votes, or 8.17%, while Hartford Board of Education member Ruth Fortune received 2,486 votes, or 4.75%.

This primary reportedly was the first time an incumbent congressman was defeated in a party primary in the state.

"This is a political earthquake in Connecticut, but the goal is to shake things up in Washington, D.C., and we're just getting started," Bronin said in his victory speech.

Bronin also thanked Larson for his long career in Connecticut and credited the campaigns of Gilchrest and Fortune.

"I'm deeply grateful for his service, and he has earned every ounce of respect and gratitude," Bronin said of Larson.

As for the current state of affairs, Bronin said: "We are at a moment of crisis in our country."

"Most people are just trying to do the right thing, to live good lives," he said.

Bronin cited several issues that need addressing, including affordability, high health-care costs, high housing costs, ICE raids on immigrants, and President Donald Trump.

"He's engaged in a level of corruption that goes beyond our founders' worst fears," Bronin said of the President.

Bronin served as Hartford's mayor from 2016 through 2023. Before becoming mayor, he served as general counsel to then-Gov. Dannel Malloy and held positions in the Obama administration's Treasury Department. He is also a Navy veteran who served in Afghanistan.

Bronin campaigned largely on a call for generational change and what he described as a need for new energy in the Democratic Party.

In a statement released after his victory speech, Bronin reiterated his primary talking points.

“Tonight, voters sent a message that if we are going to fix this mess we’re in, we need to build a Democratic Party that’s bringing a whole new energy to this fight,” Bronin said in a statement. “It’s time to be courageous, bold, and clear about who we’re fighting for and what we’re fighting for.”

Despite challenging Larson for the seat, Bronin praised the congressman's lengthy career in public service.

“Throughout this campaign, I have said that John Larson is a good man who has devoted his whole life to making life better for other people,” Bronin said.

Larson concedes

Larson conceded the race in a 9:46 p.m. speech before campaign supporters.

"Tonight, the people have spoken," Larson said. "They made their decision clear. And now is the time to come together."

Larson said the key issue is for Democrats to get elected to oppose the policies of the current Republican administration.

He said the main goal is to oppose "Donald Trump and what he's doing to our country."

Larson's concession appeared to rule out a bid on the November ballot as well, as he was endorsed on the Working Families Party ticket.

There is some precedent in Connecticut for a longtime incumbent to lose a party primary but go on to be elected anyway.

In 2006, the late Joe Lieberman stayed on the general election ballot by creating a new ballot line called "Connecticut for Lieberman" and running as an independent.

Current Connecticut Gov. Ned Lamont ran for Senate that year and defeated Lieberman in the Democratic primary that summer.

But Lieberman won the November 2006 general election, defeating Lamont and Republican Alan Schlesinger with bipartisan and independent support.

Larson, however, called for party unity and will not attempt to go that route.

Delegates at the May 11 Democratic convention at Goodwin College in East Hartford narrowly endorsed Bronin, who defeated Larson by 10 votes, paving the way for Tuesday's primary.

Bronin campaigned as a younger Democratic candidate, calling for generational change in Washington.

Touting his experience, Larson was seeking another term representing the district, which includes Hartford, West Hartford and East Hartford.

Bronin is expected to have an advantage in the general election as Democrats have held the 1st Congressional District seat continuously since 1960.

Republican Amy Chai, who previously ran as an independent candidate in Connecticut’s 3rd Congressional District in 2022, is the Republican challenger for the 2026 race.

Connecticut Attorney General William Tong released the following statement regarding Tuesday's primary results.

"To my very good friend John Larson, you have made an immeasurable contribution to Connecticut, and your lifetime of service is something we should all emulate and aspire to. I am so proud to have been a part of your many campaigns over the years and, I hope, a part of the larger Larson family. To Luke, you earned this in the trenches. I very much look forward to working with you as the Democratic nominee and, I'm certain, the next great Congressman in the long line of great representatives from Connecticut's 1st," said Tong.

For the latest numbers in the race, click on this link.

From May 12: 'UPSET: 14-Term 1st District Congressional Incumbent Fails To Secure Endorsement'