The Connecticut High School Democrats, the official high school affiliate of the Democratic Party, has endorsed State Rep. Josh Elliott, the House Democratic Co-Chair and progressive leader running to be Connecticut’s next governor. 

Hamden, CT – The Connecticut High School Democrats, the official high school affiliate of the Democratic Party, has endorsed State Rep. Josh Elliott, the House Democratic Co-Chair and progressive leader running to be Connecticut’s next governor. 

The endorsement adds to Elliott’s momentum. On May 16, he far surpassed the 15% threshold among state party convention delegates to win a spot on the ballot, officially becoming the first to primary a sitting Connecticut governor in 48 years. He recently announced endorsements from more than 70 state and local elected officials. An April poll shows him tied with Governor Lamont among voters aged 18-34.

“Connecticut needs a governor who will hear and understand the state's diverse constituents. Connecticut needs a governor who will stand up to the corporate elite and the oligarchy. Josh is exactly that. As a first time voter and emerging college student, there is no one I am more proud to vote for than Josh. He will represent everyday people, the youth, and those who are often underrepresented in state government. Our voices matter. Josh will provide a platform for us to not just feel seen, but to be seen,” said Evan Lucas, Connecticut High School Democrats Chair.

“Connecticut is a fantastic state, but we cannot remain stagnant and work with the belief that it is best for tomorrow to look like today, let alone the past. The people of Connecticut deserve a governor willing not only to embrace but also to be outspoken and initiate action to make progress. As an Asian-American student and lifelong middle-class Connecticuter, I am confident that Josh Elliott will do his constituents justice as Connecticut's governor. Josh will not only speak for us–he will act for us. His campaign has already made an impact by highlighting longstanding, pressing issues such as the abysmal racial disparities in our state's funding for school districts. I intend to continue supporting Josh's transformative campaign in hopes that middle-class families like mine can breathe easier and students like me can get the education they deserve, free from a system that stunts their opportunities and forces them to see the unequal quality of their education rather than simply attaining it. I urge others, residents of Connecticut or not, to stand with us as well,” said Allison Tran, Connecticut High School Democrats Vice Chair.