2026 Connecticut gubernatorial election
The 2026 Connecticut gubernatorial election will take place on November 3, 2026, to elect the governor of Connecticut. Primary elections will take place on August 11, with early voting from August 3 to 9.
Incumbent Democratic governor Ned Lamont is running for a third term. Lamont is one of the most popular governors in the United States, with a 63% approval rating as of October 2025, according to Morning Consult, however a University of New Hampshire poll from May 2025 found that 44% of Connecticut voters believe he should not run for a third term.
Democratic primary
Incumbent Ned Lamont announced that he was seeking a third term on November 14, 2025, despite initially expressing some doubts about running again. State Representative Josh Elliott is attempting to primary Lamont, believing Connecticut needs a more progressive leader. Lamont, a moderate Democrat, has often faced attacks from those in the progressive wing of the Democratic Party, with frustrations increasing after he vetoed two pieces of legislation passed by the General Assembly: H.B. 5002 and S.B. 8, concerning YIMBY housing reforms and jobless benefits for striking workers, respectively.Governor
Candidates
Declared
- Ned Lamont, incumbent governor
- Josh Elliott, state representative from the 88th district and candidate for secretary of the state in 2022
Declined
- Luke Bronin, former mayor of Hartford ''''
Lieutenant governor
Candidates
Declared
- Susan Bysiewicz, incumbent lieutenant governor
Republican primary
Governor
Candidates
Declared
- Ryan Fazio, state senator from the 36th district
- Betsy McCaughey, former lieutenant governor of New York
- Erin Stewart, mayor of New Britain and candidate for lieutenant governor in 2018
Filed paperwork
- Timothy Wilcox
Formed exploratory committee
- Harry Arora, former state representative from the 151st district and nominee for state treasurer in 2022
Withdrawn
- Jennifer Tooker, first selectwoman of Westport
Declined
- Matthew Corey, bar owner and perennial candidate
- Rob Sampson, state senator from the 16th district ''''
Lieutenant governor
Candidates
Declared
- Matthew Corey, bar owner and perennial candidate