Ex-Hartford Mayor Seeks Democratic Congressional Nod

HARTFORD, CT — The crowded field for the 2026 1st U.S. Congressional District race grew further this week with ex-Hartford Mayor Luke Bronin officially throwing his hat into the ring.

Bronin announced Wednesday he is seeking the Democratic nomination for Connecticut's 1st Congressional District, which has been held by U.S. Rep. John Larson, D-1st District, since 1999.

Larson, 77, a longtime East Hartford politician, hasn't formally announced a run for re-election, but he told WTNH Channel 8 Tuesday he's seeking another term.

Bronin, 46, served two terms as Hartford's mayor, from 2016 to 2024, opting not to run for re-election in 2023.

He said in a statement that it is time for change, and he is seeking a primary challenge against Larson, who has been an elected official since 1983.

Bronin said the nation is in crisis and new faces are required to lead, especially amid the current presidential administration.

“I’m running for Congress because our country is in crisis, our party’s in crisis, and we have to start doing things differently,” said Bronin. “We need to throw everything we’ve got at stopping Donald Trump and his corrupt agenda, and I’ll fight like hell every day to do that, but I also believe that’s not enough.

"So many people have stopped believing in what America is supposed to be, and they’ve stopped believing that government has any role in making things better. We need Members of Congress who, from the minute they wake up to the minute they go to sleep, will work relentlessly to make life easier, healthier, and more affordable for every American. That’s the type of energy and urgency I’ll bring to this job every day.”

Bronin said, while he commended Larson for his service, but the time is now for change.

“I respect Congressman Larson’s service to this district, and we’re lucky that he’s served for the last 28 years. But at a certain point, it’s time to let some new voices in," Bronin said.

"Everything that’s happened to our country and to our party over the last year is one big wakeup call that says we need to make some big changes — the question for the Democratic Party right now is whether we’re listening and making the changes we need to make.”

A Rhodes Scholar and military veteran, Bronin said he volunteered to serve in Afghanistan in 2010 and worked as a Navy intelligence officer on the U.S. military's anti-corruption task force.

He served as a senior official in President Barack Obama’s Treasury Department.

Before his terms as mayor, he served as general counsel to former Gov. Dannel Malloy.

Bronin is already joining a crowded field of hopefuls for the seat, including Democrats Larson of East Hartford, Hartford school board member Ruth Fortune, and Southington councilman Jack Perry.

Republican Amy Chai, who ran for Congress in 2022 as an independent for the 3rd Congressional District, is listed as a GOP challenger for 2026.

For more information on Bronin's run for Congress, click on this link.

From July 22: 'Southington Democrat Joins Crowded 1st District Congressional Race'