Hamden, CT – Today, Connecticut’s State Elections Enforcement Commission formally approved State Rep. Josh Elliott’s application for a $3.7 million grant through the state’s Citizens’ Election Program. 

The grant builds on Elliott’s momentum to unseat two-term, ultra-wealthy incumbent Governor Ned Lamont, who has spent nearly $70 million of his personal banking fortune to fund his campaigns. 

A five-term state representative, small business owner, and Democratic House Caucus Co-Chair, Elliott is the first primary challenger to appear on the ballot against a sitting governor in 48 years. Elliott’s campaign is focused on building a new agenda that puts the state’s working families first. Connecticut is the most unequal state in the country, anchored by a regressive tax structure long championed by Lamont. 

Last week, Elliott unveiled his first ad, in which he lays out his vision for a more affordable state. Now, he’ll have the resources to communicate with hundreds of thousands of voters ahead of the August 11 primary.

Elliott’s fundraising broke the all-time record for the Citizens’ Election Program, with $371,102 raised from a total of 5,877 donations, at a maximum of $340 per person.

“I am immensely grateful to each of the thousands of Connecticut residents who pitched in anywhere from $5 to $340 to our campaign. A grassroots campaign like ours is unprecedented in Connecticut, and we truly could not have gotten here without a force of supporters who feel the urgency for new leadership in our state and who are ready to fight for it. Let’s win this,” Elliott said.