Polling Average
80%60%40%20%0%
16.2%
55%
Democrat
Josh Elliott
Connecticut Democratic Governor nominee?
$19.2K
AUG 12, 2026Primary Election
Party selects its nominee.
Overview
Current roleState Representative
PartyDemocratic
Political ideologyProgressive Democrat
GenderMale
LocationConnecticut
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BackgroundPolitician
EducationIthaca College (B.A., Sociology)
Notable personal detailsJosh Elliott is a Democratic member of the Connecticut House of Representatives for the 88th District (Hamden), first elected in 2016 and sworn in for the 2017 session. He has served in House leadership as Deputy Speaker and has been associated with progressive caucus organizing in the legislature. Elliott is a co-owner of the Thyme & Season grocery store in Hamden and is a 2026 candidate for Governor of Connecticut.
SourcesShowHide
joshforct.comhousedems.ct.govctinsider.comen.wikipedia.orgwikidata.orgwfsb.comeastonctdems.orgwshu.orgctpost.compatch.comreddit.comportal.ct.govtaxpolicyct.orgchange.orgballotready.orgsixrepro.orgctlcv.orgnewsfromthestates.comlegiscan.comccdl.usctmirror.orgctpublic.orgnewhavenindependent.orginstagram.comctnewsjunkie.comhartfordbusiness.comyahoo.comnbcconnecticut.combristoledition.orgyankeeinstitute.orgpredictionedge.comhistory.house.govncsl.orgfec.govnga.orgdeveloper.ballotpedia.orgfrontpage.ballotpedia.orgcdn.ballotpedia.orgdocs.house.govgovinfo.govblumenthal.senate.gov
Positions
LiberalConservative
Economy & Taxes
Supports structural tax reform to reduce the burden on the middle- and working-class and to have wealthier Connecticut residents and corporations pay a larger share; has proposed or endorsed higher taxes on very high earners and leads efforts to address the state’s regressive tax structure. Serves in legislative roles focused on finance, revenue, and tax policy and has founded a Tax Equity Caucus to pursue these changes.
Healthcare
Supports strengthening access to health care and public programs, including expanding mental-health parity protections and promoting enrollment in state health coverage programs such as Access Health CT and HUSKY. Advocates for progressive policies that increase access to care and protections for vulnerable populations.
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Immigration & Border
The candidate’s campaign platform and official pages do not present a clear, detailed position on immigration or border policy. One advocacy petition including his name supports disaster relief for undocumented workers, but public statements or policy proposals from the candidate on immigration, asylum, or enforcement could not be found in campaign or official materials reviewed.
Abortion & Reproductive Rights
Supports protecting and advancing reproductive freedoms including abortion access and lists defending the right to choose as a legislative priority. Serves in reproductive-rights leadership groups and has backed state measures to protect abortion access and providers in Connecticut.
Climate & Energy
Supports accelerating the transition to clean energy with aggressive investment in offshore wind and solar, prioritizing environmental justice communities, expanding public transit and EV infrastructure, and launching programs (e.g., a Connecticut Climate Corps) to build resilience and workforce capacity. Has pledged support for 100% clean/renewable energy by midcentury and proposes state financing (bonds) to fund renewable projects rather than raising customer electric bills.
Public Safety & Guns
Josh Elliott has supported comprehensive gun violence legislation that tightens restrictions on assault weapons and large-capacity magazines, expands age limits and safe-storage requirements, and increases penalties for certain firearm offenses. He was a listed co-sponsor of Connecticut House Bill 6667, “An Act Addressing Gun Violence,” which passed the legislature in 2023 and was signed into law.
News
AINews Summary
Last updatedJul 15, 2026
Josh Elliott is in the news for forcing a Democratic primary challenge against Connecticut Gov. Ned Lamont in the 2026 governor’s race. He cleared the delegate threshold and qualified for the ballot, setting up a contested primary after the party convention backed Lamont. The race is now headed to the August 11 primary, where Elliott is running on a more progressive platform and has qualified for public financing.
joshforct.com+40
Articles
HCHartford Courant17 days ago
There are 18 primaries in CT on Aug. 11. What to know
Neutral
HCHartford Courant2 months ago
The gloves are off in Connecticut. It's about time.
Positive
HCHartford Courant2 months ago
CT Dems split on next governor at convention, Lamont will face Elliott in August primary battle
Positive
HCHartford Courant3 months ago
From the left, Josh Elliott pumps up his challenge to Ned Lamont
Neutral
Polls
Connecticut Democratic Governor nominee?
Aggregation source: FiftyPlusOne
Endorsements
Connecticut Democratic Governor nominee?
Endorsers of Josh Elliott for Connecticut Democratic Governor nominee?
AFL-CIO
Elected official
AFL-CIO endorsed Josh Elliott in the Democratic primary for Connecticut governor.
Josh for CT
Public endorsement
Josh for CT endorsed Josh Elliott, Dr. Saud Anwar, Jason Doucette, Anne Hughes, Nick Gauthier, Jillian Gilchrest, Laurie Sweet, and Russ Morin.
New updates coming soon
We're monitoring and will update when new data impacts the race.
- Fundraising