Former Hartford Mayor Luke Bronin to Challenge Rep. John Larson in 2026 Democratic Primary
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Then-Mayor Luke Bronin speaks during a June 2023 press conference on North Main Street, announcing a $19 million federal RAISE grant to improve safety and accessibility for pedestrians, cyclists, and drivers in Hartford’s Northeast neighborhood. Photo: Luke's Bronin, Facebook page |
Former Hartford Mayor Luke Bronin announced Wednesday that he is running for Congress, mounting a primary challenge against U.S. Rep. John Larson, a veteran Democrat who has represented Connecticut’s 1st Congressional District for more than two decades.
In a campaign video, Bronin, 45, framed his candidacy as a call for generational change and renewed urgency within the Democratic Party.
“We have to change the way we're doing things, and we don't have time to wait,” Bronin said. “At a certain point, it’s just time to let some new voices in.”
Bronin, who served two terms as mayor, held senior positions at the U.S. Department of the Treasury during President Barack Obama’s first term, and deployed to Afghanistan as a U.S. Navy Reserve officer, said he is motivated by concern for his children’s future and frustration with a political system he believes no longer serves working-class Americans.
“If we're gonna win back what we lost to Donald Trump, we need a party that makes sense to people,” he said. “A party that’s not trying to defend a broken system, but trying to fix it.”
During his time in office, Bronin guided Hartford out of a deep financial crisis, narrowly avoiding bankruptcy in 2017. He secured a $550 million state rescue package, implemented significant budget cuts, renegotiated labor agreements, and halted new borrowing. His fiscal strategy led to consistent budget surpluses and the rebuilding of the city’s financial reserves—all without adding new debt.
Larson, 76, responded to the announcement in an interview with FOX61, emphasizing his record and welcoming the challenge.
“This is America, anyone is free to run for public office,” Larson said. “The former mayor and two other candidates have already announced, and there could be more. That’s the process we have.”
Larson, who chairs the House Ways and Means Social Security Subcommittee, touted his experience and efforts to bring federal investment to the district, particularly Hartford. “In just the last five years alone, we’ve brought over a billion dollars into the city of Hartford,” he said. “We’ve been there helping the whole time.”
While Bronin focused his campaign message on urgency and progressive reform, Larson pointed to his legislative accomplishments and leadership in Washington, especially around Social Security.
“The mayor has criticized me for focusing on Social Security, but 97% of Americans, Democrats, Republicans, and independents, support it,” Larson said. “It hasn’t been expanded since 1971. Richard Nixon was president the last time Congress enhanced it.”
He also dismissed the notion that his time has passed, responding directly to Bronin’s call for generational change. “I absolutely acknowledge that change is needed,” Larson said. “The real question is, who are the true change agents, and what kind of change are they bringing?”
Larson has not formally launched his re-election campaign but signaled his intent to stay in the race, citing his continued focus on economic fairness, manufacturing jobs, and defending the Affordable Care Act.
The 1st Congressional District includes Hartford and much of central Connecticut. The Democratic primary is scheduled for August 2026.
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In a campaign video, Bronin, 45, framed his candidacy as a call for generational change and renewed urgency within the Democratic Party.
“We have to change the way we're doing things, and we don't have time to wait,” Bronin said. “At a certain point, it’s just time to let some new voices in.”
Bronin, who served two terms as mayor, held senior positions at the U.S. Department of the Treasury during President Barack Obama’s first term, and deployed to Afghanistan as a U.S. Navy Reserve officer, said he is motivated by concern for his children’s future and frustration with a political system he believes no longer serves working-class Americans.
“If we're gonna win back what we lost to Donald Trump, we need a party that makes sense to people,” he said. “A party that’s not trying to defend a broken system, but trying to fix it.”
During his time in office, Bronin guided Hartford out of a deep financial crisis, narrowly avoiding bankruptcy in 2017. He secured a $550 million state rescue package, implemented significant budget cuts, renegotiated labor agreements, and halted new borrowing. His fiscal strategy led to consistent budget surpluses and the rebuilding of the city’s financial reserves—all without adding new debt.
Larson, 76, responded to the announcement in an interview with FOX61, emphasizing his record and welcoming the challenge.
“This is America, anyone is free to run for public office,” Larson said. “The former mayor and two other candidates have already announced, and there could be more. That’s the process we have.”
Larson, who chairs the House Ways and Means Social Security Subcommittee, touted his experience and efforts to bring federal investment to the district, particularly Hartford. “In just the last five years alone, we’ve brought over a billion dollars into the city of Hartford,” he said. “We’ve been there helping the whole time.”
While Bronin focused his campaign message on urgency and progressive reform, Larson pointed to his legislative accomplishments and leadership in Washington, especially around Social Security.
“The mayor has criticized me for focusing on Social Security, but 97% of Americans, Democrats, Republicans, and independents, support it,” Larson said. “It hasn’t been expanded since 1971. Richard Nixon was president the last time Congress enhanced it.”
He also dismissed the notion that his time has passed, responding directly to Bronin’s call for generational change. “I absolutely acknowledge that change is needed,” Larson said. “The real question is, who are the true change agents, and what kind of change are they bringing?”
Larson has not formally launched his re-election campaign but signaled his intent to stay in the race, citing his continued focus on economic fairness, manufacturing jobs, and defending the Affordable Care Act.
The 1st Congressional District includes Hartford and much of central Connecticut. The Democratic primary is scheduled for August 2026.
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Former Hartford Mayor Luke Bronin to Challenge Rep. John Larson in 2026 Democratic Primary
Reviewed by Maricarmen Cajahuaringa
on
July 31, 2025
Rating:
Reviewed by Maricarmen Cajahuaringa
on
July 31, 2025
Rating:
