Who Is Running for Governor of Connecticut in 2026?
Last updated: March 4, 2026
Ned Lamont
(Incumbent)Economy
HighNed Lamont prioritizes Connecticut's economy and job creation, focusing on affordability for middle and working-class families. He supports investing in policies to lower costs and create good-paying jobs, emphasizing housing construction to support economic growth and workforce needs. Lamont's economic agenda also includes fiscal management and enhancing the state's economic competitiveness.
Immigration
HighNed Lamont criticized federal immigration forces, specifically ICE, in his 2026 State of the State address, advocating that federal agents should stay out of Connecticut. He stated that Connecticut’s police force is capable of maintaining safety, emphasizing state autonomy. Lamont also condemned the Trump administration's immigration policies, asserting they create a culture that allows agents to violate civil rights. He views Connecticut's diverse population as something to celebrate.
Healthcare
HighGovernor Ned Lamont supports disbanding the Office of Health Strategy, aiming to protect patient care and healthcare jobs by transferring its operations. He proposes a revised hospital tax agreement and the development of a "Connecticut option," a state-designed, privately managed health insurance plan intended to save money for residents and the state. Lamont also applauded the bipartisan congressional vote to extend Affordable Care Act tax credits, emphasizing the need for federal action to reduce healthcare costs nationwide.
Republican Candidate
No Republican candidate has been confirmed for this race yet. Check back after the primary.
| Issue | Ned Lamont |
|---|---|
| Economy | Ned Lamont prioritizes Connecticut's economy and job creation, focusing on affordability for middle and working-class families. He supports investing in policies to lower costs and create good-paying jobs, emphasizing housing construction to support economic growth and workforce needs. Lamont's economic agenda also includes fiscal management and enhancing the state's economic competitiveness. High |
| Immigration | Ned Lamont criticized federal immigration forces, specifically ICE, in his 2026 State of the State address, advocating that federal agents should stay out of Connecticut. He stated that Connecticut’s police force is capable of maintaining safety, emphasizing state autonomy. Lamont also condemned the Trump administration's immigration policies, asserting they create a culture that allows agents to violate civil rights. He views Connecticut's diverse population as something to celebrate. High |
| Healthcare | Governor Ned Lamont supports disbanding the Office of Health Strategy, aiming to protect patient care and healthcare jobs by transferring its operations. He proposes a revised hospital tax agreement and the development of a "Connecticut option," a state-designed, privately managed health insurance plan intended to save money for residents and the state. Lamont also applauded the bipartisan congressional vote to extend Affordable Care Act tax credits, emphasizing the need for federal action to reduce healthcare costs nationwide. High |
| Climate & Energy | Research pending more substantial sources. Low |
| Abortion & Reproductive Rights | Governor Ned Lamont has demonstrated a strong commitment to reproductive freedom and women's health care rights. He signed Public Act 22-19, a first-in-the-nation law protecting medical providers who offer abortion care to out-of-state patients, and expanding abortion-related lawsuit protections. He also supported Planned Parenthood and received an endorsement from Planned Parenthood Votes! Connecticut, asserting that reproductive rights will be protected in Connecticut. High |
| Foreign Policy | Research pending more substantial sources. Low |
| Education | Ned Lamont has proposed legislative actions for 2026, including budget recommendations for education, a measure to reduce testing burdens while enhancing math curriculum, and a requirement for school districts to ban cellular phones in classrooms. He also recommends free breakfast for K-12 students and has increased school funding by 22% since taking office, including an additional $94.5 million in ECS for FY 2027. Medium |
| Gun Policy | Ned Lamont signed House Bill 6667 in June 2023, legislation aimed at reducing gun violence, preventing mass shootings, and avoiding firearm accidents. He further proposed banning the sale of convertible pistols and handguns easily converted to automatic weapons (HB 5043). Lamont also advocates for a statewide ban on open carrying of guns, stricter penalties for large-capacity magazines, and increasing the firearm purchase age to 21, citing public safety alongside respect for gun ownership rights. High |
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