Voters in Connecticut and Vermont went to the polls Tuesday to decide primary races that showcased Democrats’ struggle between moderates and its progressive left wing and demands for generational change in Congress.
In Connecticut’s Democratic U.S. House primary, former Hartford Luke Bronin soundly defeated long-time incumbent 28-year veteran U.S. Rep. John Larson in a race that was framed around the need for younger representation in Congress. Larson, 78, was seeking a 15th term in the state’s 1st Congressional District.
The Associated Press called the race Tuesday night with Bronin ahead 53.5% to 34.7%, with an estimated 51% of votes counted. Larson conceded the race to Bronin at a primary night watch party.
Bronin, who pulled off an upset by winning the Democratic Party’s nomination in May, is among a crop of younger challengers taking on long-time incumbents this election cycle in a push for generational change.
“Tonight, voters sent a message that if we are going to fix this mess we’re in, we need to build a Democratic Party that’s bringing a whole new energy to this fight,” Bronin said in remarks Tuesday night. “It’s time to be courageous, bold, and clear about who we’re fighting for and what we’re fighting for.”
Meanwhile, incumbent Democratic Gov. Ned Lamont easily defeated a primary challenge from liberal challenger Josh Elliott, according to preliminary results.
Lamont, 72, was first elected in 2018 and reelected in 2022. He will face Republican state Sen. Ryan Fazio, 36, from Greenwich in the general election.
In Vermont, Republican Gerald Malloy will face Democratic U.S. Rep. Becca Balint in the general election after beating Mark Coester in Tuesday’s GOP primary for the state’s only congressional district, which has been held by Democrats for more than two decades.
Malloy, a Weathersfield defense contractor, was ahead of Coester by nearly 4,000 votes or roughly 50%, according to unofficial results from the Vermont Secretary of State Tuesday night.
Balint, who faced no challengers from her party, easily won the Democratic primary for U.S. House on Tuesday, according to the AP’s tally. She has been a vocal critic of President Trump’s policies.
In Vermont’s gubernatorial primary, progressive Amanda Janoo defeated Aly Richards to win the Democratic Party’s nomination to take on Republican Gov. Phil Scott in the November elections.
Scott, a moderate who was first elected in 2016, is seeking a sixth term in office that would make him the longest-serving consecutive governor in Vermont history.
“Phil Scott is ready to build on his strong legacy in Vermont, growing the state’s economy, promoting fiscal responsibility and affordability, securing historic investments in housing and infrastructure, and investing in the next generation,” The Republican Governors Association said in a statement. “In his next term, Scott will continue his dedication to public service and all Vermonters.”
But progressive challengers lost to more moderate incumbents in several down ballot Vermont races on Tuesday, including contested races in the state’s most populous county.
Chittenden County Sheriff Dan Gamelin fended off a challenge from progressive contender Kevin Bloom, according to the AP’s tally, while Chittenden County State’s Attorney Sarah George bested Democratic challenger and former Franklin County State’s Attorney Bram Kranichfeld an high profile race that was framed as a referendum around liberal policing policies and crime in Burlington.