Connecticut 5th District Election Results 2026: Winner Revealed

Democratic U.S. Rep. Jahana Hayes has won reelection in Connecticut's 5th Congressional District, defeating Republican challenger Chris Shea in Tuesday's election.

Hayes, a Waterbury Democrat who has represented the district since 2019, secured a fifth term in the U.S. House of Representatives.

With an estimated 46% of votes counted as of 11:59 p.m. Tuesday, Hayes had received 69,519 votes, or 57%, compared with 53,398 votes, or 43%, for Shea, according to The Associated Press.

The 5th Congressional District includes Danbury, New Britain, Meriden, Bethel, Brookfield, Newtown and Southbury, along with portions of Waterbury and Torrington and other communities across western and central Connecticut.

It was a big night for Democrats statewide, as Gov. Ned Lamont won a third term and all five Democratic congressional candidates were elected: Rosa DeLauro, Jim Himes, Luke Bronin, Joseph Courtney and Hayes.

Also winning reelection were Attorney General William Tong, Sec. of State Stephanie Thomas, Treasurer Erick Russell and Comptroller Sean Scanlon, according to Hearst Connecticut.

Hayes, a Waterbury Democrat who has represented the district since 2019, is a former public school teacher and the 2016 National Teacher of the Year.

She campaigned on lowering the cost of living, protecting access to affordable health care, strengthening public education and preserving federal assistance programs.

Shea, a Republican from Cheshire, is a retired Navy SEAL, firefighter and former small business owner who made his first run for Congress.

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