HARTFORD, Conn. — Jahana Hayes emerged victorious in the 5th District on Election Day.
The race that was a nailbiter two years ago was decisively won by the Waterbury woman who continues to make history. Hayes is now the first candidate to win the support of voters in the 5th District for four terms, dating back to 1972.
On a disappointing night for Democrats nationally, Hayes was the exception to the rule. The incumbent was a bright spot for a troubled party. A newly re-energized Rep. Hayes greeted supporters Wednesday from her campaign headquarters in Waterbury with the confidence of victory.
“At some point you have to acknowledge that I'm a good candidate,” said Hayes.
She acknowledged the reality of a Republican President-Elect.
“It's a little bittersweet. I congratulate President-elect Trump on his victory,” said Hayes.
The incumbent Democrat congresswoman won re-election Tuesday in a 5th District rematch with Republican George Logan.
“I’m really proud of my team; really proud of the work that we did,” said Hayes.
Hayes widened her victory from just 2,000 votes in 2022, to 25,000 this time around.
“I'm reading papers saying I won by a 'narrow margin;' 25,000 votes is not a narrow margin,” remarked Hayes.
But it was a contentious race and one that brought big-money national super-PAC donors into the local political landscape.
Encompassing much of western Connecticut, the 5th District is the most purple. Democrat stronghold cities with more conservative suburbs and rural towns. Hayes credits her victory to her faith, a good ground game and a revamped strategy.
“I really didn’t create the contrast or punch back on a lot of things that were said in the last race and I didn't realize. People said to me, 'I didn't realize your husband was in law enforcement,' or, 'I didn't realize you passed all these bills.' All of these things I just took for granted that people knew,” explained Hayes.
Hayes, a former National Teacher of the Year, explained what politics and public service have taught her.
“Politics is definitely different from teaching. There are some through-lines. You have to listen to people. There is a part of their success that you are responsible for which is much like the classroom. I'd be lying if I said I wasn't concerned about what the future looks like,” said Hayes.
That future is a Republican leader of the free world. Does Hayes think President Joe Biden would have been a better Democratic candidate?
When asked, Hayes responded, “I think that President Biden stepped aside, and Kamala Harris stepped up and she ran an amazing campaign and left nothing on the field and, today, I accept the results of this election.”
Hayes said in terms of her priorities in the next Congress, she will take wins on whatever issue she can because she knows Democrats won't be the ones setting the agenda.
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Matt Caron is a reporter at FOX61 News. He can be reached at mcaron@fox61.com. Follow him on Facebook, X and Instagram.
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