Global Strategy Group
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10%
Democrat
Jillian Gilchrest
CT-01 Democratic nominee?
$17.5K
AUG 12, 2026Primary Election
Party selects its nominee.
Overview
Current roleState Representative
PartyDemocratic
Political ideologyProgressive Democrat
Age44 years old (Mar 21, 1982)
GenderFemale
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LocationConnecticut
BackgroundPolitician
EducationUniversity of Connecticut (BA, 2004)
Notable personal detailsJillian Marie Gilchrest is an American politician and social worker who has represented Connecticut House District 18 (West Hartford) since 2019. First elected in 2018, she has served as House Chair of the Human Services Committee and has worked in advocacy and policy roles focused on women’s health and safety. She previously served on the West Hartford Board of Education and has taught at the University of Saint Joseph and the University of Hartford. She is a Democratic candidate for U.S. House in Connecticut’s 1st Congressional District (2026).
SourcesShowHide
housedems.ct.govvoteforjillian.comfec.goven.wikipedia.orgctmirror.orgelectionresults.hartfordct.govelectionhistory.ct.govseec.ct.govctpublic.orgballotready.orgcga.ct.govmultistate.usctvoices.orgportal.ct.govlegiscan.comarxiv.orgreddit.comwshu.orgctnewsjunkie.comctinsider.comwp.cga.ct.govctlcv.orgctpost.comctbarfdn.orgusresistnews.orgnbcconnecticut.comgroups.google.comfacebook.cominstagram.comcourant.comwfsb.comwe-ha.comcbia.comfox61.comjustfacts.votesmart.orghistory.house.govdisclosures-clerk.house.govclerk.house.govgovinfo.govjudiciary.senate.govcongress.govdocquery.fec.govwikidata.orgdeveloper.ballotpedia.orgvoterguide.ballotpedia.orglegislation.ballotpedia.orgcdn.ballotpedia.org
Positions
LiberalConservative
Economy & Taxes
Supports increased state investment in education, healthcare, and social services and backed a state budget proposal that funds these priorities while including targeted tax relief for low-income working families. Emphasizes funding obligations and public program investment rather than broad tax cuts.
Healthcare
Supports expanding access to healthcare through government programs and protections, including extending Medicaid coverage to more people and lowering prescription drug costs. Opposes policies that would reduce quality or access for vulnerable populations and advocates for inclusive healthcare regardless of immigration status.
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Immigration & Border
Supports access to services for immigrants (including healthcare regardless of immigration status) and leads state efforts addressing human trafficking and protections for vulnerable migrants. Emphasizes humanitarian responses and state-level protections while working within enforcement/public-safety frameworks.
Abortion & Reproductive Rights
Supports robust abortion and reproductive rights protections, has co-chaired the Connecticut General Assembly’s Reproductive Rights Caucus, and has worked to pass and defend state laws expanding and protecting access to abortion and related care. Her background includes leadership with pro-choice organizations and legislative advocacy to codify and strengthen reproductive freedom in Connecticut.
Climate & Energy
Supports increased investments in clean energy and electric grid infrastructure to reduce reliance on fossil fuels, adoption of strong vehicle emissions standards, and nature-based and environmental justice solutions. Backs an Environmental Rights Amendment to the Connecticut Constitution and has advocated for state climate-related legislation and PFAS bans.
Public Safety & Guns
Supports stronger gun safety measures including safe-storage rules and restrictions on untraceable “ghost guns,” and has organized and participated in legislative and community efforts focused on reducing gun violence. Positions emphasize regulation and public-health approaches to gun violence while continuing engagement with stakeholders.
News
AINews Summary
Last updatedJul 15, 2026
Jillian Gilchrest is in the news because the Democratic primary for Connecticut's 1st Congressional District has expanded to four candidates. The race is for the seat held by Rep. John B. Larson, and the primary is set for August 11. The contest is drawing attention because it is likely to decide the eventual winner in this heavily Democratic district.
housedems.ct.gov+46
Polls
Aggregation source: FiftyPlusOne
Endorsements
CT-01 Democratic nominee?
Endorsers of Jillian Gilchrest for CT-01 Democratic nominee?
Progressive Victory
Public figure
Progressive Victory endorsed Jillian Gilchrest for Congress.
Renee LaMark Muir
Public endorsement
Renee LaMark Muir endorsed Jillian Gilchrest for Connecticut's 1st District congressional seat.
Jim Chapdelaine
Public figure
Jim Chapdelaine endorsed Jillian Gilchrest for the Democratic primary for U.S. House in Connecticut's 1st District.
Fundraising
Latest report: Cycle 2026Total raisedCash on hand
$163.9K
$122.9K
$82.0K
$41.0K
$0
2026
LatestYear
Total raised
Cash on hand
Total spent
Burn rate
Cycle 2026
$163.9K
$34.5K
$129.4K
$6.8K
Source: FEC