East Hartford, CT – Today, Congressman John B. Larson (D-CT-01) released the following statement announcing his candidacy for reelection:
“As we face a global pandemic that has increased our worries about the health and well-being of the elderly and our children, I am even more energized and focused on continuing to deliver results for working families in Connecticut and across this nation.
“I’ve traveled throughout the towns of the First District, listening to the concerns of the people who live and work here. I am focused on the challenges they face in their daily lives. It is those challenges that reinforce my commitment to public service, and to helping the people of Connecticut.
“The heart of this job is helping people, listening to their concerns, understanding their problems, and working to ease their burdens. Whether it is their worries over their finances, their health, their parents and children, or putting a roof over their heads and food on their tables: this is what continues to energize me, it’s why I’m seeking reelection. Though we’ve had successes, there’s important work yet to be done, and I am working harder than ever to produce results for the people of the First District.
“We don’t have time to stop and pat ourselves on the back for passing federal legislation like the American Rescue Plan, which is getting shots into people’s arms, putting money back in their pockets, and getting kids back in their schools, because these challenges aren’t behind us. I look forward to working with the entire Congressional delegation and Governor Lamont as we continue to tackle this pandemic, spur further economic recovery and work to rebuild our infrastructure. This work will have a significant impact on the First Congressional District, especially by improving the I-84 and I-91 interchange, the number one traffic choke point in the state and New England.
“Though we’ve had successes, there’s important work yet to be done, and I am working harder than ever to produce results.”
“We will also continue to fight for policies that will make a difference in working people’s lives, like extending the child tax cut, capping the cost of insulin at $35, and allowing Medicare to negotiate directly for lower prescription drug prices. As Social Security’s number one champion in Congress, I will not rest until we protect and expand this vital program.
“We returned to Washington last week to reflect on the events of last January 6th. Our Democratic Republic was perilously close to collapse due to an unrelenting effort to sow chaos and seeds of division by Donald Trump and his supporters. We can never let this happen again and must stand united to make sure those who perpetrated this attack, seeking to destroy our democratic system, are held accountable. We will not rest until the right to vote is protected for all citizens and faith is restored that the will of the voters will be heard, not the will of violent insurrectionists or only those with the largest wallets.
“My parents instilled the importance of public service in me and the need to help our neighbors and our community. This will continue to be my focus and my motivation to serve.
“I continue to believe America’s best days are ahead.The best days will happen when we work together to find common ground and common sense that unites us as a nation.”
Larson is one of the most effective members of Congress. He has been endorsed by Governor Ned Lamont and Connecticut’s entire Congressional delegation – Senators Richard Blumenthal and Chris Murphy, as well as Representatives Joe Courtney, Rosa DeLauro, Jahana Hayes, and Jim Himes. He is proud to have the support of some of the nation’s largest advocacy groups standing up for children, families and seniors, including Social Security Works, the National Committee to Preserve Social Security and Medicare and Planned Parenthood Action.