Connecticut primary polls to open Tuesday with competitive races for governor and Congress

HARTFORD, Conn. (WFSB) - Connecticut’s primary polls open on Tuesday morning, with results that could reshape the state’s congressional delegation and determine who leads Connecticut into the fall midterms.

Governor’s race

Gov. Ned Lamont is seeking a third term but faces a primary challenge from Democratic state Rep. Josh Elliott. This is the first time in 50 years that an incumbent governor has faced a primary challenger.

An exclusive poll with Sacred Heart University, WFSB, and CT Insider showed Lamont with a lead of roughly 35 points over Elliott. However, 20 percent of voters remained undecided. Nearly four in 10 voters said they believe Connecticut needs some changes to current statewide policies.

The Democratic nominee will face Republican nominee Ryan Fazio in November.

1st Congressional District

People are also watching the 1st Congressional District race, where Rep. John Larson is facing a primary challenge for the first time since taking the seat in 1999. Larson is running against three opponents, including Luke Bronin, a former mayor of Hartford.

Bronin won the party’s endorsement by 10 votes in May. Both candidates have raised millions for their campaigns.

“What is Bronin going in as, what is he going to deliver? Is Bronin on any committee yet, what is Bronin’s agenda, what has he said he’s going to do? I have a record that people can go to and see what we have accomplished,” Larson said.

“You can’t be for democracy and not be for competition. And voters in this district have a choice for the first time in almost three decades. And what I am hearing out there is the same thing I feel — respect John Larson, but it’s time. We need new energy in the Democratic Party,” Bronin said.

Other races to watch

Republicans are also holding primaries in two U.S. House districts, including the 5th Congressional District. The 5th is Connecticut’s most competitive district and nearly flipped to a Republican in 2022.

Voting information

Early voting wrapped up Sunday. Residents can still request an absentee ballot, but it must be postmarked Monday.