Who's In the Race

Democrat Luke Bronin faces Republican Amy Chai in the Nov. 3 general election in Connecticut's 1st District. The seat is held by Rep. John Larson (D-CT), who did not advance from the Democratic primary. ​

Bronin served as Hartford mayor from 2016 to 2024, and previously held senior posts at the U.S. Treasury Department and served as general counsel to Connecticut Gov. Dannel Malloy. Bronin won the four-way Democratic primary on Aug. 11 with about 54 percent of the vote; Larson was the runner-up with about 33 percent. Chai is a physician specializing in primary care and addiction medicine. Chai won the Republican primary; the record does not include her vote percentage.

What They Stand For

The CT Mirror reported that Bronin proposed reforming federal housing-finance programs, including increasing resources for Low-Income Housing Tax Credits and making them more flexible.

On her campaign website, Chai has said she wants to strengthen local economies, small businesses and American industry, and prepare young people with adaptable skills. She has argued health-care costs should be reduced through targeted laws, with an emphasis on preventing chronic illness. She has supported parents' right to determine what children learn and says schools should focus on reading, writing, and math. She has called for upfront investment in mental health and addiction prevention, saying it can save lives and taxpayer money. She has supported secure borders and opposed "regime change" abroad and proxy wars, saying the U.S. should tend to its own needs first.

The Money Behind the Race

Federal Election Commission filings show Bronin raised about $3.1 million through July 22 and had about $601,000 in the bank. Chai raised about $20,800 through June 30 and had about $344 in cash on hand, according to FEC filings.

Outside groups had spent about $2.1 million in the race as of Oct. 8, and VoteVets led all spenders with about $1 million in support.

Race Outlook: Ratings and Betting Markets

The Cook Political Report rated the race "Solid Democratic" as of Sept. 25. Sabato's Crystal Ball rated it "Solid Democratic" as of Sept. 29. Inside Elections rated it "Solid Democratic" as of Oct. 2. On Kalshi, traders gave Democrats, whose nominee is Bronin, a 94.92 percent chance of winning as of Oct. 8.

John Larson carried this district with about 59 percent of the vote in both 2022 and 2024. Democrats won all five of Connecticut's U.S. House seats in both 2022 and 2024. Kamala Harris carried Connecticut in the 2024 presidential election with about 56 percent of the vote.

Voters in Connecticut's 1st District can register and cast their ballots on the following schedule, according to the Connecticut Secretary of the State:

  • Voter registration deadline: Online and by mail, Sunday, Oct. 18; in person (9 a.m. to 5 p.m.), Friday, Oct. 16; same-day registration available on Election Day.
  • Early voting: Monday, Oct. 19 through Sunday, Nov. 1, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily; extended hours of 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 27 and Thursday, Oct. 29.
  • Mail-ballot application deadline: Monday, Nov. 2.
  • Election Day polls: Tuesday, Nov. 3, from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m.

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