With the upcoming primary, Republicans in Connecticut are finalizing their candidates, aiming to break a nearly 20-year streak of not sending a Republican to Washington.
On Tuesday, the main congressional race is set: Democratic Rep. Jahana Hayes is running for a fourth term against Republican George Logan, who previously lost to Hayes by about 2,000 votes in 2022.
Republicans are also selecting candidates for other races. For the Senate, Gerry Smith, the top official in Beacon Falls, is competing with Matt Corey, a restaurant owner from Glastonbury. Both believe they can beat Sen. Chris Murphy but know it will be difficult. Connecticut hasn’t elected a Republican senator since 1982.
Corey, who lost to Murphy by 20 percentage points in 2018, argues that current issues like high energy costs and inflation might work in the Republicans’ favor. Smith emphasizes his local success and experience, stating he is well-prepared for the challenge.
Murphy, seeking his third term, has a significant fundraising advantage with $9.7 million, compared to Smith’s $4,245 and Corey’s $32,000.
For the 4th Congressional District, Bob MacGuffie, a financial executive and former tea party leader, is running against Dr. Michael Goldstein, who lost in a previous primary. Himes, seeking his ninth term, has $2.3 million in campaign funds, while MacGuffie has $42,750 and Goldstein has $98,366.
Since 2007, Republicans have held three out of Connecticut’s five House seats, but none have been in Congress since Himes took over from Chris Shays in 2009.