Republican Candidate Jadon MacCormack Loses Primary Amid Party Backlash

Republican candidate Jadon E. MacCormack lost a state legislature primary on Tuesday, defeated approximately 80% to 20% by Anthony J. Emilio. The loss followed a concerted effort by top party leaders, led by House Republican leader Vincent Candelora, to recruit a last-minute opponent after MacCormack made controversial anti-gay comments. Despite the defeat, MacCormack announced on Facebook his intention to run for Congress in 2028 against Democratic incumbent Joe Courtney, claiming he will "reform this party and Make America Straight Again."

Candelora dismissed the 2028 bid, stating that no convention or caucus in Connecticut would endorse MacCormack. House Speaker Matt Ritter characterized the opposition to MacCormack as bipartisan. In other primary results, several veteran Democratic lawmakers were defeated, including state Representative Patricia Dillon and Senator Doug McCrory, who has been under FBI investigation regarding state grants.

Unofficial results from the Secretary of the State of Connecticut showed a 23% turnout for registered Democrats, lower than the 29% recorded in the 2018 gubernatorial primary. Republican turnout was significantly lower at 10% in towns with primaries. Notable Democratic results included former Hartford Mayor Luke Bronin defeating 14-term incumbent U.S. Rep. John Larson in the 1st Congressional District, and Governor Ned Lamont securing a victory against challenger Josh Elliott.