The 2026 Connecticut gubernatorial election is set for November 3, 2026, with party primaries scheduled for August 11, 2026. As the race takes shape in early 2026, incumbent Democratic Governor Ned Lamont has confirmed he will seek a third term, positioning himself once again as the favorite in a reliably blue-leaning state.
Still, both major parties are seeing internal contests that could shape the general election narrative—particularly a crowded and ideologically diverse Republican primary.
The Democratic Primary: Incumbency vs. the Progressive Left
Ned Lamont (Incumbent)
Governor Lamont, in office since 2019, formally launched his reelection campaign in late 2025. With strong institutional backing, high name recognition, and a well-funded campaign apparatus, Lamont is widely viewed as the prohibitive favorite for the Democratic nomination.
His record emphasizes fiscal stability, economic recovery, and pragmatic governance—an approach that has generally aligned with Connecticut’s Democratic electorate.
Josh Elliott (Challenger)
State Representative Josh Elliott of Hamden’s 88th District is mounting a primary challenge from the progressive left. Elliott has focused on themes such as taxing high-income earners to expand public services, housing affordability, and more aggressive state intervention on inequality.
While Elliott faces long odds against an entrenched incumbent, his campaign reflects ongoing ideological tensions within Democratic coalitions nationwide.
The Republican Primary: A Crowded and Fragmented Field
Unlike the relatively settled Democratic side, Republicans are facing a multi-candidate primary with no clear front-runner—raising questions about consolidation, messaging, and electability.
Ryan Fazio
A state senator representing Greenwich’s 36th District, Fazio has positioned himself as a more traditional conservative option. He has been active in fundraising and endorsement-building and is emphasizing fiscal restraint, economic competitiveness, and regulatory reform.
Erin Stewart
Stewart, who served as mayor of New Britain from 2013 through early 2025, entered the race in late 2025. She is pitching herself as a next-generation Republican and an outsider to Hartford politics, with a platform centered on public safety, fiscal discipline, and generational change.
Betsy McCaughey
A nationally known conservative commentator and former New York lieutenant governor, McCaughey announced her candidacy in mid-January 2026. Her platform emphasizes cutting taxes, reducing energy costs, rolling back state housing mandates, and opposing offshore wind development—positions aimed at energizing conservative grassroots voters.
Timothy Wilcox
Wilcox, from the Norwich/Taftville area, filed paperwork early but has shown limited public campaign activity so far, with little reported fundraising or spending.
Other Names and Status Watch
Several additional figures appear in state filings or reporting, though their intentions remain unclear:
- Scott Merrell (sometimes spelled Merrill), a past candidate listed as active or exempt in filings
- Harry Arora, who has formed an exploratory committee but has not fully declared
Former Greenwich First Selectwoman Jennifer Tooker, an earlier entrant, has withdrawn. As of now, no major third-party or independent candidates have formally entered the race.
Key Dates and What Comes Next
- Primary filing deadlines: Expected in June 2026
- Primary Election Day: August 11, 2026
- General Election Day: November 3, 2026
With several months remaining before primary ballots are finalized, additional announcements—particularly on the Republican side—are still possible.
Outlook: Advantage Lamont, but Watch the GOP Primary
At this stage, Governor Lamont remains heavily favored in the general election given Connecticut’s partisan makeup and the absence of a unified Republican challenger. However, the GOP primary will be closely watched for signs of consolidation, fundraising strength, and message discipline—factors that could influence turnout and down-ballot races.
For ongoing updates, voters should monitor official filings with the Connecticut State Elections Enforcement Commission, as well as candidate announcements and local reporting as the 2026 cycle accelerates.
Election Desk will continue tracking the race as the field evolves.
Election Desk 
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