Contact The Editor
Articles By This Author
Luke Bronin, the former mayor of Hartford, defeated incumbent Rep. John B. Larson, who was seeking a 15th term in office, in the Democratic primary for a House seat representing central Connecticut, according to the Associated Press.
Bronin, 47, argued during the campaign that the Democratic Party needs more youth and energy, while the 78-year-old Larson argued that his experience made him better positioned to wield influence in Washington. Bronin raised more money than Larson, had significant name recognition in the district, and won the state party's endorsement in May.
Democratic voters across the country have demonstrated a preference this year for younger candidates. Bronin's win makes Larson the seventh Democratic House incumbent to lose reelection this year; six lost to younger challengers.
In an interview, Bronin said Democrats saw losing the White House and the Senate and failing to capture the House in 2024 as a "wake-up call" to energize the party and send a clearer message. Larson has gotten "stuck in routines" and "stuck inside the institution" during his many years in Congress, he said.
Larson rejected that analysis.
"It's not about age, generational change," he said at a recent rally alongside Connecticut Gov. Ned Lamont (D) and labor groups. "This campaign ... is about who has the record of delivering in this community."
There was not much ideological daylight between the candidates, though Larson sought to paint himself as more progressive. Larson was poised to be one of the most senior House Democrats and in line to lead a powerful panel on Social Security had he been reelected with a Democratic majority.
The Post recently traveled to the district to report on the generational contest.
The district is overwhelmingly Democratic, and Bronin is widely expected to win the general election in November.
(COMMENT, BELOW)
Previously:
• Left-wing challengers are beating House Dems. These incumbents could be next
• Dems slam NY Jewish GOP candidate for calling anti-Israel pol a would-be 'camp guard' for Nazis