Former Hartford Mayor Luke Bronin secured the Democratic endorsement for Connecticut’s 1st Congressional District at the May 2026 party convention, defeating 14-term incumbent John Larson on a second ballot by 51.2% to 48.8%. This rare upset for an entrenched officeholder placed Bronin atop the August 11 primary ballot alongside Larson and Jillian Gilchrest, who cleared the 15% threshold. A late-May poll showed Bronin ahead by eight points. Larson has since emphasized populist themes and external funding concerns in an effort to close the gap before voters decide the nominee in the safe Democratic district.