Imported Article – 2026-05-12 08:15:50

Connecticut Democrats held conventions on Monday evening to endorse candidates for five U.S. House of Representatives seats. The conventions were held at different locations across the five congressional districts. In the 1st Congressional District convention in East Hartford, former Hartford Mayor Luke Bronin secured the party’s endorsement by beating incumbent Democratic Rep. John Larson by 10 votes.

Initially, Larson was leading by 13 points and Jillian Gilchrest seemed to have received the 15% of votes needed to be on the primary ballot. However, Ruth Fortune did not have enough support to move forward. When delegates began to switch their votes, tension rose with Larson, while Bronin remained relaxed and engaged with the crowd.

Bronin declared, “I want to be clear about one thing. What we have witnessed here in this convention hall is a political earthquake. What you saw tonight was how strong the hunger for change is out there. And this sends a powerful, powerful message.” It is worth noting that Larson, who has held the seat since 1999, did not win the convention for the first time in his nearly 30-year career. Bronin announced his campaign in July 2025.

Both candidates have raised over $1 million as Bronin waged a challenging campaign and invested heavily. State Representative Jillian Gilchrest secured enough votes to trigger a primary with Larson and Bronin. Gilchrest stated, “People still think money equals viability, but it’s getting out there, talking to folks and making relationships and people want a different kind of politics and I hope they see that in me.”

Mike Pohl, the Democratic chair of the Manchester delegation, expressed concerns about shaking things up. He questioned, “The strongest congressional delegation that we have ever had in in Washington right now. Why would we want to change that?” Bronin previously served as mayor of Hartford from 2016 to 2024.

The democratic primary is scheduled for August 11th. [Fact Check: The story is breaking, and updates will be provided by Channel 3. Copyright 2026 WFSB. All rights reserved.]