Polling Average
80%60%40%20%0%
12.7%
54.7%
Democrat
Josh Elliott
Connecticut Democratic Governor nominee?
$10.3K
AUG 12, 2026Primary Election
Party selects its nominee.
Overview
Current roleState Representative
PartyDemocratic
Political ideologyProgressive Democrat
GenderMale
LocationConnecticut
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BackgroundState representative
EducationIthaca College — B.A. in Sociology
Notable personal detailsJosh Elliott is a Democratic member of the Connecticut House of Representatives, representing the 88th District (Hamden) since 2017. He has served in House leadership as a Deputy Speaker and Majority Caucus Co-Chair. Elliott is a small business owner associated with the Thyme & Season natural foods markets. He is a 2026 candidate for Governor of Connecticut.
SourcesShowHide
housedems.ct.govjoshforct.comen.wikipedia.orgnewhavenindependent.orgportal.ct.govhamden.comctinsider.comwfsb.comwshu.orgcga.ct.govwww2.housedems.ct.govtaxpolicyct.orgchange.orgballotready.orgsixrepro.orgctlcv.orgnewsfromthestates.comlegiscan.comccdl.usctmirror.orgabcnews.go.comwashingtonpost.comaxios.comjustfacts.votesmart.orgnoticias.foxnews.comfoxnews.comcbsnews.comimg3.washingtonpost.comapps.startribune.comwikidata.orgvotesmart.orgdeveloper.ballotpedia.orgcba.ballotpedia.orgvoterguide.ballotpedia.org
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 updatedMay 28, 2026
Josh Elliott has forced a Democratic primary against Connecticut Gov. Ned Lamont in the 2026 governor’s race after winning enough delegate support to get on the ballot. He has also qualified for public financing and is running on a more progressive platform, making this the first primary challenge to a Connecticut governor since 1978. Lamont won the party convention endorsement and remains favored, but the race is now set for the August primary.
housedems.ct.gov+33
Articles
HCHartford Courant6 days ago
The gloves are off in Connecticut. It's about time.
Positive
HCHartford Courant9 days ago
With Josh Elliott on primary ballot, Lamont’s summer gets hotter
Neutral
HCHartford Courant13 days ago
CT Dems split on next governor at convention, Lamont will face Elliott in August primary battle
Positive
HCHartford Courant2 months ago
From the left, Josh Elliott pumps up his challenge to Ned Lamont
Neutral
Polls
Connecticut Democratic Governor nominee?
Aggregation source: FiftyPlusOne
New updates coming soon
We're monitoring and will update when new data impacts the race.
- Endorsements
- Fundraising