Congressman John B. Larson, 77, faces his first serious challenge for the Democratic nomination since winning an open seat in 1998.
Four challengers, including former Hartford Mayor Luke Bronin and state Rep. Jillian Gilchrest of West Hartford, opened campaigns that found no fault with Larson’s liberal, pro-labor voting record, but insisted the time had come for new leadership in a struggling Democratic Party.
Ruth Fortune, 37, a Hartford school board member, filed campaign papers July 3, and was quickly followed by Councilman Jack Perry, 35, of Southington. By the end of August, the field included Bronin, 46, and the 43-year-old Gilchrest.
The Democratic primary is set for Aug. 11, 2026.
