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.
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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. Josh Elliott, a member of the Connecticut House of Representatives, is also running in the Democratic primary as a progressive challenger.
Democratic primary
2026 Connecticut gubernatorial election
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.
Declared
• Josh Elliott, state representative from the 88th district (2017–present) and candidate for secretary of the state in (/wiki/2022ConnecticutSecretaryoftheStateelection) • Ned Lamont, incumbent governor (2019–present)
Declined
• Luke Bronin, former mayor of Hartford (2016–2024) (running for U.S. House)
Polling
<table><thead><tr><th>Poll source</th><th>Date(s) administered</th><th>Sample size</th><th>Margin of error</th><th>Ned Lamont</th><th>Josh Elliott</th><th>Other</th><th>Undecided</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td>University of New Hampshire</td><td>February 12–16, 2026</td><td>174 (LV)</td><td>± 7.4%</td><td>57%</td><td>13%</td><td>1%</td><td>29%</td></tr><tr><td>University of New Hampshire</td><td>November 13–17, 2025</td><td>235 (LV)</td><td>± 6.4%</td><td>55%</td><td>7%</td><td>2%</td><td>37%</td></tr></tbody></table>
Declared
• Susan Bysiewicz, incumbent lieutenant governor (2019–present)
Republican primary
Declared
• Ryan Fazio, state senator from the 36th district (2021–present) • Betsy McCaughey, former lieutenant governor of New York (1995–1998) • Erin Stewart, former mayor of New Britain (2013–2025) and candidate for lieutenant governor in (/wiki/2018Connecticutgubernatorialelection)
Formed exploratory committee
• Harry Arora, former state representative from the 151st district (2020–2023) and nominee for state treasurer in (/wiki/2022ConnecticutStateTreasurerelection)
Withdrawn
• Jennifer Tooker, former first selectwoman of Westport (2021–2025) (running for state comptroller)
Declined
• Matthew Corey, bar owner and perennial candidate (running for lieutenant governor) • Rob Sampson, state senator from the 16th district (2019–present) (endorsed Fazio)
Polling
<table><thead><tr><th>Poll source</th><th>Date(s) administered</th><th>Sample size</th><th>Margin of error</th><th>Ryan Fazio</th><th>Erin Stewart</th><th>Other</th><th>Undecided</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td>OnMessage Inc. (R)</td><td>August 11–14, 2025</td><td>400 (LV)</td><td>± 4.9%</td><td>13%</td><td>42%</td><td>10%</td><td>35%</td></tr></tbody></table>
Declared
• Matthew Corey, bar owner and perennial candidate
General election
Predictions
<table><thead><tr><th>Source</th><th>Ranking</th><th>As of</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td>The Cook Political Report</td><td>Solid D</td><td>September 11, 2025</td></tr><tr><td>Inside Elections</td><td>Solid D</td><td>August 28, 2025</td></tr><tr><td>Sabato's Crystal Ball</td><td>Safe D</td><td>September 4, 2025</td></tr><tr><td>Race to the WH</td><td>Safe D</td><td>November 25, 2025</td></tr></tbody></table>
Polling
<table><thead><tr><th>Poll source</th><th>Date(s) administered</th><th>Sample size</th><th>Margin of error</th><th>Ned Lamont (D)</th><th>Erin Stewart (R)</th><th>Undecided</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td>OnMessage Inc. (R)</td><td>August 2025</td><td>600 (LV)</td><td>–</td><td>50%</td><td>42%</td><td>8%</td></tr></tbody></table>