Larry Pemberton
Larry Pemberton Jr. | |
|---|---|
| Member of the Connecticut House of Representatives from the 139th district | |
| Assumed office January 21, 2026 | |
| Preceded by | Kevin Ryan |
| Personal details | |
| Born | 1973 or 1974 (age 52–53) |
| Party | Democratic |
Larry Pemberton Jr. is an American politician and member of the Connecticut House of Representatives. A member of the Democratic Party, he was elected at the special election in January 2026.
Pemberton was born in Norwich and raised in Montville.[1] He is a member and treasurer of the Eastern Pequot Tribal Nation.[2][3] His brother in law is the tribal chairman of the Mashantucket Pequots and owner of the Foxwoods Resort Casino.[3][4] Pemberton is a community organizer and has worked in human services, hospitality, administration and transportation.[1]
The Connecticut House of Representatives' 139th district, which consists of Ledyard, Montville and Norwich, became vacant following the death of incumbent Kevin Ryan in November 2025.[5][6] Pemberton won the Democratic Party's nomination for the special election, despite being an unaffiliated voter, on December 3, 2025, and was also endorsed by the Working Families Party.[3][4] He was elected to the Connecticut House of Representatives at the special election held on January 13, 2026, receiving 64% of votes.[3][7] He was sworn in on January 21, 2026, becoming the first Native American member of the Connecticut General Assembly.[5][8] He will serve-out the remainder of Ryan's term which expires in January 2027.[3]
Pemberton is married and has two children.[5] He lives in Uncasville, Montville.[5]
References
- ^ a b McDermott, Beth (January 27, 2026). "Larry Pemberton Jr. sworn in as CT state rep for 139th district". The Bulletin. Norwich, USA. Retrieved February 27, 2026.
- ^ Grahn, Matt (January 13, 2026). "Pemberton declares victory for the 139th District special election". The Bulletin. Norwich, USA. Retrieved February 27, 2026.
- ^ a b c d e Sundqvist, Viktoria (January 13, 2026). "Pemberton Wins Special Election In 139th District". CT News Junkie. Archived from the original on February 6, 2026. Retrieved February 27, 2026.
- ^ a b Pazniokas, Mark (January 12, 2026). "Hard feelings, litigation in special election for 139th House seat". The Connecticut Mirror. Hartford, USA. Archived from the original on January 14, 2026. Retrieved February 27, 2026.
- ^ a b c d Pazniokas, Mark (January 13, 2026). "Special election results: Dems claim victory for Larry Pemberton". The Connecticut Mirror. Hartford, USA. Archived from the original on January 15, 2026. Retrieved February 27, 2026.
- ^ Levy, Jason (January 13, 2026). "Democrat Pemberton Jr. wins special election for 139th CT House seat". WTNH. New Haven, USA. Archived from the original on January 31, 2026. Retrieved February 27, 2026.
- ^ "Connecticut State House District 139 Special Election Results". The New York Times. New York, USA. January 26, 2026. Retrieved February 27, 2026.
- ^ Polansky, Chris (January 21, 2026). "Larry Pemberton Jr. becomes first Native American elected to CT General Assembly". Maine Public Broadcasting Network. Portland, USA. Connecticut Public Radio. Retrieved February 27, 2026.