By Emmanuel Bobby
Voters in Connecticut and Vermont went to the polls Tuesday for primary elections that produced several closely watched contests and helped set the stage for the November general election.
The elections featured challenges to longtime Democratic incumbents, competitive races for statewide offices and contests for seats in state legislatures. The results also provided an early indication of the political dynamics that could shape the broader New England campaign season.
Longtime Connecticut Congressman Defeated in Democratic Primary
One of the most significant results came in Connecticut, where former Hartford Mayor Luke Bronin defeated longtime Democratic U.S. Rep. John Larson in the Democratic primary.
Larson, 78, has represented Connecticut in Congress for more than two decades and has served 14 terms in the U.S. House. His age and health became central issues during the campaign, particularly as Democratic voters considered whether the district should be represented by a new generation of leadership.
Bronin narrowly secured the Democratic Party’s endorsement at the state convention in May before going on to face Larson and two other candidates in Tuesday’s primary.
The race also included Hartford Board of Education member Ruth Fortune and state Rep. Jillian Gilchrest, giving Democratic voters several choices as they considered the future direction of the district.
Bronin’s victory marks a major political shift for the district and brings an end to Larson’s lengthy tenure in the House, barring any future political developments.
The result also highlights the growing importance of generational change in Democratic politics, particularly in races involving longtime incumbents.
Lamont Wins Democratic Primary
Connecticut Gov. Ned Lamont also faced a primary challenge Tuesday but successfully secured the Democratic nomination for another term.
Lamont, a moderate Democrat seeking a third term as governor, defeated progressive state Rep. Josh Elliott in the Democratic primary.
The governor will now move on to the November general election, where he is scheduled to face Republican state Sen. Ryan Fazio.
Lamont’s victory allows him to enter the general election without having to navigate another primary battle and gives him the opportunity to focus on the Republican challenge ahead.
The contest between Lamont and Fazio is expected to draw attention as voters consider the direction of state government, including issues involving taxes, spending, education, transportation and the state’s overall economy.
Connecticut Legislature Also on the Ballot
Beyond the congressional and gubernatorial contests, Connecticut voters also selected candidates for numerous state legislative races.
Every seat in the Connecticut Senate and House of Representatives is up for election this year, with all 36 Senate seats and all 151 House seats appearing on the November ballot.
The legislative races could have significant consequences for the state’s political balance. Party control of the legislature will help determine which proposals advance during the next legislative session and how the state approaches major policy issues.
Candidates who emerged from Tuesday’s primaries will now shift their attention toward the general election campaign.
Vermont Democrats Choose Janoo
In Vermont, Democrats were also deciding who would challenge Republican Gov. Phil Scott in November.
Economist Amanda Janoo won the Democratic primary over Aly Richards, the former chief executive of a child advocacy organization.
Richards entered the contest with endorsements from former Democratic governors Howard Dean and Madeleine Kunin, giving her campaign support from prominent figures in the state’s Democratic establishment.
Janoo’s victory now sets up a general election contest against Scott, one of the country’s most prominent Republican governors in a state that has historically leaned heavily Democratic in federal elections.
The Vermont governor’s race is expected to receive significant attention as voters weigh the state’s political direction and the candidates’ approaches to state government.
More States Hold Primaries
Connecticut and Vermont were not the only states holding primary elections Tuesday.
Minnesota and Wisconsin also held contests, while South Carolina Republicans selected a new Senate nominee following the death of Sen. Lindsey Graham last month.
Several Alabama House districts also held primaries after earlier elections in those districts were postponed.
The collection of contests represents another important step toward the November general election, when voters across the country will decide congressional, statewide and state legislative races.
New England Primary Calendar Continues
The primary season is continuing across New England, with states holding their elections on different dates.
Maine held its primary in June, while Massachusetts is scheduled to hold its primary on Sept. 1. New Hampshire voters will head to the polls Sept. 8, followed by Rhode Island on Sept. 9.
Rhode Island moved its primary from the traditional Tuesday date because the original timing would have placed the election too close to Labor Day, creating logistical challenges for election officials preparing polling locations.
With Connecticut and Vermont now through their primaries, candidates in those states can turn their attention toward the general election campaigns. The results also provide voters in neighboring states with an early look at some of the major political battles that will define the 2026 election season.
As the remaining New England states approach their own primary dates, more closely watched contests are expected to take shape before voters return to the polls in November.
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