Background
Incumbent Ned Lamont is one of the most popular governors in the United States, with a 62% approval rating as of April 2025, according to Morning Consult. However, 44% of Connecticut voters believe he should not run for a third term, according to a University of New Hampshire poll from May 2025. [1] Despite this, Lamont expressed interest in running for re-election in 2026 during a press conference on June 5, 2025, influenced by the actions of the current administration of President Donald Trump. [2] However, Lamont is susceptible to a challenger from the progressive wing of the Democratic Party after he vetoed two pieces of legislation passed by the General Assembly: H.B. 5002 and S.B. 8, concerning YIMBY housing reforms and jobless benefits for striking workers, respectively. [3] Additionally, Zohran Mamdani's victory in the 2025 New York City Democratic mayoral primary may influence Connecticut progressives to challenge Lamont, who endorsed Mamdani's opponent, Andrew Cuomo. [4] State Representative Josh Elliott, who would go on to launch a gubernatorial bid, [5] initially told CT Insider that Lamont "will not run uncontested." [6]