Lamont Clinches CT Democratic Primary, Eyes Third Term

Incumbent Gov. Ned Lamont defeated Josh Elliott by roughly two-thirds in Connecticut’s Democratic primary, a decisive win that keeps Lamont on track for a third term and sets up a November showdown with Republican Ryan Fazio. Elliott ran as a left-leaning challenger pushing higher taxes and a public option, but Lamont’s record—handling the pandemic, generating budget surpluses, and enacting a major tax cut—helped him prevail. The race, CT’s first gubernatorial primary since 1978, highlights intra‑party tensions amid a broader national trend toward establishment incumbents, as Elliott vows to stay engaged in politics and Lamont touts steady, pragmatic governance. Elliott’s campaign included sharp ads, including a controversial “diaper” spot that drew backlash from voters.