Connecticut Democratic Primary: What To Know About Lamont, Elliott Before Election Day

Connecticut's primary election is Tuesday, Aug. 11, with Democratic voters choosing between incumbent Gov. Ned Lamont and state Rep. Josh Elliott for governor.

Lamont is campaigning on his record in office and promises to continue pursuing tax relief, fiscal stability and programs intended to lower household costs. Elliott is challenging him from the party’s progressive wing, arguing Connecticut needs a more aggressive approach to taxation, energy, housing, education and health care.

The winner will advance to the November general election.

Here's what Democratic voters should know before casting their ballots:

Ned Lamont

Lamont, 72, has served as Connecticut's governor since 2019 after building a telecommunications company and previously serving on the Greenwich Board of Selectmen. He is seeking a third term, arguing his administration has strengthened the state's finances while expanding tax relief and investments in education, transportation and families.

Lamont's campaign priorities include:

• Lowering taxes and prioritizing affordability.
• Increasing affordable housing.
• Expanding universal prekindergarten and affordable child care.
• Continuing universal free school meals.
• Lowering energy and health care costs.
• Protecting paid family and medical leave.

Lamont has highlighted his record on programs including Connecticut Paid Leave, Covered Connecticut and a statewide cap on municipal vehicle tax rates. Critics, including Elliott, argue many residents continue to struggle with high housing, utility and living costs despite the state's improved fiscal condition.

Josh Elliott

Elliott, 42, has represented parts of Hamden in the Connecticut House of Representatives since 2017. A member of the legislature's progressive wing, he says Connecticut should take a more aggressive approach to lowering costs for working families and asking the state's wealthiest residents to pay more in taxes.

Elliott's campaign priorities include:

• Changing the tax system so wealthy residents pay a larger share.
• Lowering energy costs.
• Fully funding public schools.
• Expanding affordable housing.
• Supporting organized labor.
• Creating a public health insurance option that would gradually move Connecticut toward a single-payer system.

Elliott argues the state's current tax structure places too much of the burden on working- and middle-class families. Critics question whether his proposals would require significant new spending or tax increases, while Elliott says greater investment is needed to address Connecticut's affordability challenges.

How to vote

The primary election will be held Tuesday, Aug. 11. Polls will be open from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Early voting runs Aug. 3-9.

Residents can vote in party primaries for governor, U.S. Congress and state legislative and constitutional races.

Only registered Democrats may vote in the Democratic gubernatorial primary.

Voters can verify their registration status, polling location and sample ballot through the Connecticut secretary of the state's office.