John Larson announced on May 12 that he is preparing for victory in the August primary, citing a strong lead in the polls and support from a coalition of labor groups, progressive advocates, and local officials.
The contest has drawn attention due to its clear divide between candidates. Larson faces a challenge from Luke Bronin, whom he describes as representing corporate interests. The campaign emphasizes contrasts such as public housing versus private equity and working families versus billionaire influence.
Larson said his campaign’s strength comes from his background in East Hartford and ongoing support from working families across the district. He also addressed opposition linked to organized labor that had affected Bronin’s previous gubernatorial run. “This is democracy at work. Now it’s going to be very clear: it’s East Hartford public housing against Greenwich private equity. We’re in this fight on behalf of the working people I serve. We’re taking on Trump every single day, and I’m proud to be on the hit list of Members he wants out of Congress. That’s not going to happen,” Larson said. “The people in this district know what we’ve done, they know what we’ve been able to deliver, and they know that we’re in this fight. Project kids don’t give up. Project kids lean into a fight like this.”
Larson’s campaign reports endorsements from members of Connecticut’s congressional delegation, U.S. House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries, Representative Jamie Raskin, Representative Lauren Underwood, Congressman Pablo José Hernández of Puerto Rico, Connecticut Attorney General William Tong, state legislative leaders Jason Rojas and Barbara Kennelly (former U.S Representative), as well as former U.S Senator Christopher Dodd.
He also lists backing by numerous labor organizations including Working Families Party; UNITE HERE; LIUNA; AFGE Locals 2138, 1674, and 1164; NAGE/IBPO Local R1-109; SMART; IBEW; BAC; IUEC; IUPAT; OPCMIA; UA; IUOE; Sheet Metal Workers Local 40; Greater Hartford Building Trades Council among others.
As the primary approaches with Larson reporting a significant polling advantage across all regions of the district and political ideologies, his campaign says it will continue efforts to mobilize supporters so that working-class voices are represented.
