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House Minority Leader Visits Connecticut to Endorse Larson
Jeffries campaigns for 14-term incumbent facing multiple challengers in 1st Congressional District race
Published on Feb. 13, 2026
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House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, the highest-ranking Democrat in the U.S. House of Representatives, visited Connecticut on Thursday night to campaign for Rep. John Larson, a 14-term incumbent facing multiple challengers in the race for the state's 1st Congressional District. Jeffries praised Larson as a "tremendous champion" and said his seniority would be important if Democrats win back the House.
Why it matters
The visit highlights the internal divisions within the Democratic Party, as Larson's challengers argue the party needs a younger generation of leaders, while Jeffries emphasizes Larson's experience. The race could also have implications for the future leadership of the House if Democrats regain control.
The details
Jeffries, who is in line to become House Speaker if Democrats win the majority, introduced Larson as "the next speaker of the house." Larson is facing challenges from three Democrats - Luke Bronin, Jillian Gilchrest, and Ruth Fortune - who argue the party needs new leadership. Bronin has significantly outraised Larson, while Gilchrest has the support of many of her legislative colleagues.
- Jeffries visited Connecticut on Thursday night to campaign for Larson.
- The last public disclosures showed Bronin with nearly $1.5 million in his campaign coffers, exceeding Larson's by around $500,000.
The players
Hakeem Jeffries
The House Minority Leader and highest-ranking Democrat in the U.S. House of Representatives.
John Larson
A 14-term incumbent Democratic Congressman representing Connecticut's 1st Congressional District.
Luke Bronin
The former mayor of Hartford and one of Larson's Democratic challengers.
Jillian Gilchrest
A progressive state legislator from West Hartford and another Democratic challenger to Larson.
Ruth Fortune
A member of Hartford's board of education and the third Democratic challenger to Larson.
What they’re saying
“Can't ask for a better champion for the caucus, the congress, the country, the constitution and the great state of Connecticut.”
— Hakeem Jeffries, House Minority Leader
“With all respect to Leader Jeffries, the Democratic Party would be stronger if our leadership spent less time protecting people who've been in Congress for decades and more time working to lift up a new generation of Democrats.”
— Luke Bronin, Democratic Challenger
“Nothing will change until we elect people who refuse to play by the old rules. I hope Leader Jeffries enjoys Connecticut — and that when the checks clear, Congress can finally get to work.”
— Jillian Gilchrest, Democratic Challenger
What’s next
If Democrats win back the House, Larson's seniority would secure him leadership of a key subcommittee of the powerful Ways and Means Committee.
The takeaway
The visit by House Minority Leader Jeffries highlights the generational divide within the Democratic Party, as Larson's younger challengers argue the party needs new leadership, while Jeffries emphasizes Larson's experience and seniority.
