Democrat Jahana Hayes won the Democratic primary Tuesday to replace retiring Rep. Elizabeth Etsy in Connecticut’s 5th Congressional District.
Esty announced her retirement earlier this year after facing public pressure over how she handled sexual harassment allegations against a staffer. With Etsy’s departure, Republicans are targeting the open seat, which went for Hillary Clinton by roughly 4 points in 2016.
Hayes, a schoolteacher who once won National Teacher of the Year, beat party-favorite Mary Glassman to advance to the fall election. In the final days, Glassman secured the endorsement of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce — an unusual move for the Chamber, which hasn’t endorsed in a Democratic primary in eight years. But Hayes prevailed after a boost at the state Democratic convention and strong fundraising numbers.
Hayes is the first African-American candidate nominated by Connecticut Democrats. If elected, she would be the only black lawmaker representing New England in either house of Congress. Democrats hope to retake the House of Representatives in November.
