A massive coalition of lawmakers, unions, and advocacy groups is rallying behind progressive champion John Larson in convention leadup
Today, Connecticut State Senate Deputy Majority Leader Matt Lesser, former U.S. Senator for Connecticut Chris Dodd, and former U.S. Representative for Connecticut’s First District Barbara Kennelly, along with 11 major labor unions, announced their endorsement of John Larson for Congress, citing Larson’s support for working families, his progressive values, his relentless fight against the Trump administration, Republicans, and corporate special interests, and his record of delivering results for the district.
Larson’s support is grounded in Connecticut, the people who best know his record delivering for the state; with working families who can count on him to put their interests first, not corporations; and his colleagues in Congress who see his leadership, energy, and effectiveness standing up against Donald Trump every day.
“People are tired of politicians who talk the talk of progressive politics but in the dark of night do the bidding of Wall Street and billionaire financiers. John Larson is the antithesis. He has earned the trust of our district and has never wavered in standing up to special interests to protect the working families of Connecticut,” said Senator Lesser. “More than 20 years ago, John Larson was on the right side on the War in Iraq and he has consistently stood up to those in both parties who wanted to weaken or privatize Social Security. He’s there every day for the families I represent in Cromwell, Middletown, Newington, Rocky Hill, and Wethersfield, and his record is unmatched. I’m proud to stand with John because I know he will always put the needs of our district above the special interests corrupting Washington.”
“I’m grateful for the growing support from every corner of the district,” said Larson. “Senator Lesser is a standout legislator and tireless advocate for Connecticut families. Senator Dodd and Representative Kennelly know exactly what it takes to deliver for Connecticut, and the unions joining our campaign represent the heart and soul of our communities — working people who keep this state moving every day. Their support reflects the momentum we’re building as we head into the convention.”
The following unions, representing a wall of support for Larson and a blockade against a corporate, centrist agenda, joined Lesser, Dodd, and Kennelly in endorsing Larson:
- International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW)
- International Union of Bricklayers and Allied Craftworkers (BAC)
- International Union of Elevator Constructors (IUEC)
- International Union of Painters and Allied Trades (IUPAT)
- Operative Plasterers’ and Cement Masons’ International Association (OPCMIA)
- United Association – Union of Plumbers, Fitters, Welders, and Service Techs (UA)
- United Union of Roofers, Waterproofers, and Allied Workers
- International Union of Operating Engineers (IUOE)
- International Brotherhood of Boilermakers, Iron Ship Builders, Blacksmiths, Forgers, and Helpers
- International Association of Heat and Frost Insulators and Allied Workers
- International Association of Bridge, Structural, Ornamental and Reinforcing Iron Workers
Larson’s endorsements far outpace any other candidate, and include leaders from every level of government and advocacy:
- Federal & State Leadership: The entire CT Congressional Delegation, U.S. House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries, Rep. Jamie Raskin, Congressman Pablo José Hernández (PR), CT AG William Tong, and CT House Majority Leader Jason Rojas.
- Labor Power: Working Families Party, UNITE HERE, LIUNA, AFGE Locals 2138, 1674, and 1164, NAGE/IBPO Local R1-109, SMART, Sheet Metal Workers Local 40, Greater Hartford Building Trades, and the State Council of Machinists.
- Local Leaders: Mayors and First Selectmen from East Hartford, Manchester, Bloomfield, Middletown, and Windsor Locks, the only DTC to endorse in the race, and DTC chairs across the district.
- Advocacy Giants: Planned Parenthood Action Fund, League of Conservation Voters, Brady PAC, the Alliance for Retired Americans, and Defend The Vote.
“John Larson is building support across the district, from labor and advocacy groups, and from his colleagues because they know he will never stop fighting for Connecticut. In this critical moment they want progressive leadership, not a centrist bought by corporations,” Larson campaign manager Greg Gerratana said. “His record delivering for the district and taking on Donald Trump sets him apart and is why he will win reelection.”
Bronin was the only candidate not to compete for the Working Families Party endorsement, admitting that Larson already had the strong support of working families.
Larson has a 23-point lead in the primary and carries about 50 percent of the vote in a three-way race. He holds more support in the race than the next two candidates combined and leads in every region of the district and across the ideological spectrum.