Polling Average
80%60%40%20%0%
16.2%
55%
Connecticut Democratic Governor nominee?
$16.1K
AUG 12, 2026Primary Election
Party selects its nominee.
Overview
Current roleState Representative
PartyDemocratic
Political ideologyProgressive Democrat
LocationConnecticut
BackgroundSmall business owner
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EducationIthaca College (B.A., Sociology)
Notable personal detailsJosh Elliott is a Democratic member of the Connecticut House of Representatives from the 88th District (Hamden), serving since January 2017. He is Deputy Speaker and a Majority Caucus Co-Chair, and has focused on progressive policy priorities including voting reforms, public health measures, and criminal justice issues. He is a small business owner and a 2026 Democratic candidate for Governor of Connecticut.
SourcesShowHide
housedems.ct.govjoshforct.comen.wikipedia.orgctinsider.comapnews.comhamden.comwfsb.comwshu.orgelectionhistory.ct.govreddit.comportal.ct.govcga.ct.govtaxpolicyct.orgchange.orgballotready.orgsixrepro.orgctlcv.orgnewsfromthestates.comlegiscan.comccdl.usctmirror.orgctpublic.orgnewhavenindependent.orginstagram.comctnewsjunkie.comhartfordbusiness.comyahoo.comnbcconnecticut.comfacebook.compredictionedge.comhouse.govhistory.house.govncsl.orgnass.orgblumenthal.senate.govnga.orgkaine.senate.govgovinfo.govdemocrats-armedservices.house.govcongress.govwikidata.orgagriculture.house.govdocs.house.govdelauro.house.govchuygarcia.house.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 4, 2026
Josh Elliott has forced a Democratic primary against Connecticut Gov. Ned Lamont in the 2026 governor race after winning enough delegate support to qualify for the ballot. He is running on a more progressive platform and has also qualified for public financing, making the challenge more serious. Lamont still won the party convention and remains favored, but this is shaping up as a rare primary challenge to an incumbent governor.
housedems.ct.gov+44
Articles
HCHartford Courant1 month 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
HCHartford Courant2 months ago
With Josh Elliott on primary ballot, Lamont’s summer gets hotter
Neutral
Polls
Connecticut Democratic Governor nominee?
Aggregation source: FiftyPlusOne
Endorsements
Connecticut Democratic Governor nominee?
Endorsers of Josh Elliott for Connecticut Democratic Governor nominee?
Union workers
Labor organization
Union workers endorsed Josh Elliott in his challenge to Gov. Ned Lamont.
State Rep. Steve Winter
Elected official
State Rep. Steve Winter endorsed Josh Elliott for governor.
New updates coming soon
We're monitoring and will update when new data impacts the race.
- Fundraising