2026 Connecticut state legislative special elections
2026
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As of October 27, 2025, two special elections to the U.S. state of Connecticut's state legislature, the Connecticut Legislature, are scheduled to be held in 2026: one to the Connecticut House of Representatives in District 25 scheduled to be held on January 6, 2026, and one to the Connecticut House of Representatives in District 70 scheduled to be held on January 13, 2026.
District 25
January 6, 2026
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A special election was made necessary in House District 25 after Bobby Sanchez resigned on November 12, 2025, to become the new mayor of New Britain.[1] On November 21, 2025, Governor Ned Lamont called for a special election to be held on January 6, 2026, to fill the open seat.[2]
House District 25 is located in the Northern middle section of Connecticut and encompasses parts of the city of New Britain. Bobby Sanchez was reelected in 2024 with 70.1% of the vote over Republican Jaime Vaughn.
Democratic Nominee
Iris Sanchez, a New Britain city councilwoman, was nominated by her party.[3]
Republican Nominee
Jaime Vaughn, the Republican nominee in 2024, was nominated by her party.[3]
Results
| Party | Candidate | Votes | % | ±% | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Democratic | Iris Sanchez | 356 | 66.29% | −3.79% | |
| Republican | Jaime Vaughn | 181 | 33.71% | +3.79% | |
| Total votes | 537 | 100.00% | |||
| Turnout | 8,920 | 6.02% | |||
District 139
January 13, 2026
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A special election was made necessary in House District 139 after Kevin Ryan passed away on November 23, 2025.[5] On November 28, 2025, Governor Ned Lamont called for a special election to be held on January 13, 2026, to fill the open seat.[6]
House District 139 is located in the Western southern section of Connecticut and encompasses parts of the towns of Ledyard, Montville, and of the city of Norwich. Kevin Ryan was reelected in 2024 with 54.7% of the vote over Republican Jaime Vaughn.
Democratic Nominee
Larry Pemberton, a member of and the treasurer for the Eastern Pequot Tribal Nation, was nominated by his party.[7]
Republican Nominee
Brandon Sabbag, a local businessman, was nominated by his party.[8]
Write-In Candidates
Mark Adams, the Republican nominee in 2024.[8]
Results
| Party | Candidate | Votes | % | ±% | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Democratic | Larry Pemberton | 1,754 | 61.91% | +11.17% | |
| Working Families | Larry Pemberton | 73 | 2.58% | −0.01% | |
| Total | Larry Pemberton | 1,827 | 64.49% | +9.82% | |
| Republican | Brandon Sabbag | 806 | 28.45% | −16.88% | |
| Independent | Mark Adams (write-in) | 200 | 7.06% | +7.06% | |
| Total votes | 2,824 | 100.00% | |||
| Turnout | 15,102 | 18.70% | |||
| Town[9] | Larry Pemberton Democratic |
Brandon Sabbag Republican |
Mark Adams Independent |
Margin | Total votes cast | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| # | % | # | % | # | % | # | % | ||
| Ledyard (part) | 434 | 67.18% | 197 | 30.50% | 15 | 2.32% | 237 | 36.68% | 646 |
| Montville (part) | 505 | 63.13% | 254 | 31.75% | 41 | 5.13% | 251 | 31.38% | 800 |
| Norwich (part) | 888 | 64.02% | 355 | 25.59% | 144 | 10.38% | 533 | 38.43% | 1,387 |
| Totals | 1,827 | 64.49% | 806 | 28.45% | 200 | 7.06% | 1,021 | 36.04% | 2,824 |
References
- ^ Pazniokas, Mark (12 November 2025). "Sworn as New Britain mayor, Bobby Sanchez resigns from CT House". News From The States. Retrieved 25 November 2025.
- ^ Pazniokas, Mark (21 November 2025). "Special election set for Jan. 6 in New Britain's 25th House District". The Connecticut Mirror. Retrieved 22 November 2025.
- ^ a b "CT voters go to polls Tuesday in first of two special elections". CT Mirror. Retrieved 14 January 2026.
- ^ "Connecticut House of Representatives District 25 Official Results". Connecticut Secretary of State. Retrieved 14 January 2026.
- ^ Glatz, Jennifer (24 November 2025). "State Rep. Kevin Ryan passed away Sunday". WTIC-TV. Retrieved 18 January 2026.
- ^ Lamont, Ned (28 November 2025). "Governor Lamont Orders Special Election on January 13 for State Representative Seat in Ledyard, Montville, and Norwich". State of Connecticut. Retrieved 18 January 2026.
- ^ "Pemberton Wins Special Election In 139th District". CT News Junkie. Retrieved 18 January 2026.
- ^ a b "Hard feelings, litigation in special election for 139th House seat". CT Mirror. Retrieved 18 January 2026.
- ^ a b "Connecticut House of Representatives District 25 Official Results". Connecticut Secretary of State. Retrieved 18 January 2026.