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Here you will find voter information, election resources, candidate information, important dates, and public-service information designed to help you make informed decisions at the ballot box.

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TGR VOTER INFORMATION

KNOW BEFORE YOU VOTE

Connecticut Democratic Gubernatorial Primary

Ned Lamont vs. Josh Elliott

Primary Election Day: Tuesday, August 11, 2026

Connecticut Democratic voters will choose between incumbent Gov. Ned Lamont and state Rep. Josh Elliott for the Democratic nomination for governor.

The Grand Rising believes voters deserve more than campaign advertisements and political talking points.

Before you cast your ballot, know the candidates, understand their differences, examine their records—and make your own decision.

TWO CANDIDATES. DIFFERENT APPROACHES.

NED LAMONT

Incumbent Governor

Lamont is seeking a third term after eight years as governor. His campaign emphasizes fiscal stability, maintaining Connecticut's financial guardrails, tax relief, controlling costs and building on policies implemented during his administration.

Lamont argues that Connecticut's financial position has improved under his leadership and that maintaining fiscal discipline is essential to protecting the state's future.

JOSH ELLIOTT

State Representative

Elliott is challenging Lamont from the progressive wing of the Democratic Party.

He argues Connecticut needs a significant change in direction, with greater investment in public services, education, health care, housing and working families.

His proposals include higher taxes on high-income earners and expanded public alternatives in areas such as health care and electric power.

WHERE DO THEY DIFFER?

💰 TAXES & SPENDING

LAMONT: Emphasizes fiscal restraint, maintaining budget reserves, reducing debt and protecting taxpayers from unnecessary tax increases.

ELLIOTT: Supports increasing taxes on high-income earners and using additional revenue for public priorities. His campaign has proposed a 4% surcharge on income above $1 million.

The question for voters:
Should Connecticut continue emphasizing fiscal restraint—or should the state raise additional revenue to expand public investment?

🏠 HOUSING

LAMONT: Supports increasing housing availability while balancing statewide housing needs with local considerations.

ELLIOTT: Has argued for substantially increasing housing construction and changing state policies that he believes make it too difficult to build housing.

The candidates differ over how much authority municipalities should retain over housing development.

🏥 HEALTH CARE

LAMONT: Supports developing a "Connecticut option" designed to expand access to affordable health care. The proposal would be designed by the state but operated by private companies rather than functioning as a traditional government-run public option.

ELLIOTT: Supports a stronger public role in health care and has expressed support for a public health-insurance option as part of broader health-care reform.

The question for voters:
Should Connecticut work within a privately administered state-designed system—or move toward a more direct public role?

⚡ ENERGY & UTILITIES

LAMONT: Has proposed stronger oversight of utilities, reforms to the rate-setting process and measures intended to protect consumers from excessive utility costs.

ELLIOTT: Supports expanding public-power alternatives and allowing municipalities to take over portions of the electric grid and operate them as public utilities.

The question for voters:
Should Connecticut reform the existing utility system—or create greater public ownership and competition?

THE 240 MISSED-VOTES QUESTION

This issue has become a significant part of the Democratic gubernatorial primary.

Reporting based on legislative records says Elliott missed 240 legislative votes during approximately a decade in the Connecticut House. Elliott does not dispute the overall figure but argues that the number requires context.

During 2026, Elliott missed 46 House roll-call votes. In 2025, he missed 5.

There is also a specific 2020 incident that has received considerable attention.

During an overnight legislative session, Elliott left the Capitol and said he inadvertently fell asleep after silencing his phone. He consequently missed a vote on a Republican amendment involving police accountability. The amendment ended in a 72–72 tie and failed.

THE IMPORTANT DISTINCTION

There is no evidence that Elliott "slept through 240 votes."

The 240 figure represents accumulated missed votes over approximately a decade.

The sleeping incident involved one particular vote.

Voters can consider the attendance record for themselves.

THE QUESTIONS VOTERS SHOULD ASK

Before voting, ask yourself:

1. Do I want Connecticut to continue emphasizing fiscal restraint, or should the state make substantially larger public investments?

2. Should Connecticut increase taxes on high-income earners?

3. What kind of health-care system should Connecticut pursue?

4. How much authority should municipalities have over housing development?

5. Should Connecticut expand public ownership or public alternatives in the electric utility system?

6. Which candidate's approach to affordability best addresses the pressures facing Connecticut families?

7. Does Gov. Lamont's eight-year record deserve another term?

8. Or does Josh Elliott's proposed change in direction represent the future Connecticut needs?

DON'T VOTE FROM AN AD.

Campaign advertisements are designed to persuade you.

Your vote is your decision.

Read the candidates' proposals. Examine their records. Check the facts. Consider how their policies could affect your family, your community and the future of Connecticut.

Then make your choice.

BE INFORMED. BE ENGAGED. VOTE.

The Grand Rising
An independent digital news publication dedicated to thoughtful reporting, civic engagement, and informed discussion.

Independent Journalism That Builds Stronger Communities.

Rise informed. Rise empowered. Rise together.

This public service announcement is intended to provide voter information and does not endorse either candidate.