EAST HARTFORD, CT — For the first time since taking office in 1999, U.S. Rep. John Larson, D-1st District, did not secure the Democratic Party’s endorsement for Connecticut’s 1st Congressional District.
Delegates at Monday night’s Democratic convention at Goodwind College in East Hartford instead endorsed former Hartford Mayor Luke Bronin, who defeated Larson by 10 votes, according to WFSB Channel 3.
Bronin, 46, has campaigned as a younger Democratic candidate calling for generational change in Washington.
Larson, 77, is seeking another term representing the district, which includes Hartford, West Hartford and East Hartford.
State Rep. Jillian Gilchrest, D-West Hartford, also competed for the endorsement and finished third.
“Tonight, Connecticut Democrats made history and chose a path of new energy and new leadership,” Bronin said Monday night in a statement. “I respect John Larson deeply, but I hope he listens to the message that was sent tonight by the most active, loyal Democrats in our party – that it’s time to pass the torch.”
Bronin added that he was “deeply grateful for the trust Connecticut Democrats have placed in me tonight.”
The endorsement does not determine the party’s nominee.
Bronin, Larson and Gilchrest each received enough delegate support to qualify for the Democratic primary ballot, which voters will decide on Aug. 11.
Other Democrats who had sought the seat included Hartford Board of Education member Ruth Fortune and Southington Town Council member Jack Perry, though neither qualified for the primary ballot.
The Democratic primary winner is expected to have an advantage in the general election. 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 listed as a Republican challenger for the 2026 race.
For the full WFSB Channel 3 report, click on this link.
From Aug. 26, 2025: 'West Hartford Lawmaker Announces Congressional Run'
From July 30, 2025: 'Ex-Hartford Mayor Seeks Democratic Congressional Nod'
From Nov. 5, 2024: 'CT 1st Congressional District Race: Larson Projected As Winner
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