CT 3rd Congressional District Race 2024: DeLauro, Massey

CONNECTICUT — Incumbent Democratic U.S. Rep. Rosa DeLauro is seeking an 18th term in Connecticut’s 3rd Congressional District and faces a challenge from Republican newcomer Michael Massey.

DeLauro, 81, was first elected in 1990 and served as the chair of the powerful House Committee on Appropriations in the previous Congress. She currently serves as the ranking member of the House Appropriations Committee and looks to reclaim the gavel if Democrats take control of the House in November’s election.

DeLauro accomplished her longtime mission of an expanded child tax credit when the American Rescue Act passed Congress.

“For Rosa, her work has been and will always be about helping people,” according to her campaign profile. “Since coming to Congress, she has built a reputation as a hard-working, passionate, and forthright advocate for her constituents, an honest broker who works with members of all parties, and a leader on matters of domestic and social policy. She continues to fight for raising the minimum wage, paid sick days and paid leave for all, good-paying jobs, universal health care, public education, food security, climate action, protecting the undocumented, and strengthening our social safety net.”

Massey, 44, is a self-described “urban Republican” who is running for office for the first time.

Massey spent a decade in federal prison for his role in an armed robbery of a Naugatuck bank in 2008. He has said that it was during that time that he became inspired by Donald Trump and his political movement.

“Growing up in poverty, Michael faced adversity from an early age,” according to his campaign profile. “With limited resources and few positive role models, he was drawn into the dangers of the streets, experiencing violence and hardship firsthand. His trajectory led him into trouble with the law, resulting in incarceration for various offenses. However, it was during this time that Michael's perspective underwent a profound transformation. Exposed to alternative viewpoints and disillusioned by the media's portrayal of political messages, he began to question the narrative he had been fed.

“Inspired by the principles of the Republican Party and motivated by a desire to effect change, Michael embarked on a journey of self-discovery and political awakening. Drawing inspiration from leaders like Donald Trump, he developed his own policy proposals and initiatives aimed at revitalizing his community. Recognizing the potential for change within his district, Michael strategically positioned himself to challenge the status quo, leveraging his support base within the Republican Party and seeking to diversify Black voter representation.”

For more information on DeLauro’s platform, visit her campaign page here.

For more information on Massey’s platform, visit his campaign page here.