Vote 2026: CT's 5th District race could be a bellwether for Congress

Well, it is down to the wire now in Connecticut's tightest congressional race. In the 5th District, Congresswoman Johanna Hayes, a former National Teacher of the Year, faces Republican Chris Shay, who spent decades as a Navy SEAL. News 12's John Craven shows us why this seat is so competitive. From the urban sprawl of Waterbury to the rustic Litchfield Hills, Connecticut's 5th Congressional District is a study in contrasts. That's what makes it so competitive. Democrat Johanna Hayes has held this seat for eight years, despite some close races. The rumors of my demise have been greatly exaggerated. The choice for Congress is clear. Now she faces Chris Shay. Navy SEAL, firefighter. A veteran who supports the war in Iran, even as gas prices remain high and no clear exit strategy. We cannot and will not under my watch. Allow a terrorist regime that chants death to America, has been at war with us for the larger part of 50 years, have a nuclear weapon. Cost of diesel has increased the cost of everything. Many farmers couldn't get fertilizer because the Schrader-Permos is closed. At a recent debate, rising prices were on voters' minds. People are seeing the gas pumps, the supermarket. Thank you. Thank you. Prescriptions, you know, everywhere. I use diesel and I use fuel and I take care of animals, so I use a lot of feed. It's all expensive. You, que eres hispano. Immigration raids in Connecticut, also a major issue. The rules have just changed. People who are showing up, following the rules to court dates, to church, to school, to doctor's appointments, and being detained by ICE. If you think that some really awful, nasty people aren't coming across that border, When the door is wide open, you've got another thing coming. From the country to the cities to Congress, Connecticut's 5th District could be a bellwether. John Craven, News 12.