Connecticut's 4th Congressional District election, 2024

2026 → ← 2022
Connecticut's 4th Congressional District
Democratic primary Republican primary General election
Election details
Filing deadline: June 11, 2024
Primary: August 13, 2024 General: November 5, 2024
How to vote
Poll times: 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. Voting in Connecticut
Race ratings
Cook Political Report: Solid Democratic DDHQ and The Hill: Safe Democratic Inside Elections: Solid Democratic Sabato's Crystal Ball: Safe Democratic
Ballotpedia analysis
U.S. Senate battlegrounds U.S. House battlegrounds Federal and state primary competitiveness Ballotpedia's Election Analysis Hub, 2024
See also
Connecticut's 4th Congressional District U.S. Senate • 1st • 2nd • 3rd • 4th • 5th Connecticut elections, 2024 U.S. Congress elections, 2024 U.S. Senate elections, 2024 U.S. House elections, 2024 Alabama U.S. House racesAlaska U.S. House racesArizona U.S. House racesArkansas U.S. House racesCalifornia U.S. House racesColorado U.S. House racesConnecticut U.S. House racesDelaware U.S. House racesFlorida U.S. House racesGeorgia U.S. House racesHawaii U.S. House racesIdaho U.S. House racesIllinois U.S. House racesIndiana U.S. House racesIowa U.S. House racesKansas U.S. House racesKentucky U.S. House racesLouisiana U.S. House racesMaine U.S. House racesMaryland U.S. House racesMassachusetts U.S. House racesMichigan U.S. House racesMinnesota U.S. House racesMississippi U.S. House racesMissouri U.S. House racesMontana U.S. House racesNebraska U.S. House racesNevada U.S. House racesNew Hampshire U.S. House racesNew Jersey U.S. House racesNew Mexico U.S. House racesNew York U.S. House racesNorth Carolina U.S. House racesNorth Dakota U.S. House racesOhio U.S. House racesOklahoma U.S. House racesOregon U.S. House racesPennsylvania U.S. House racesRhode Island U.S. House racesSouth Carolina U.S. House racesSouth Dakota U.S. House racesTennessee U.S. House racesTexas U.S. House racesUtah U.S. House racesVermont U.S. House racesVirginia U.S. House racesWashington U.S. House racesWest Virginia U.S. House racesWisconsin U.S. House racesWyoming U.S. House racesSubmit

All U.S. House districts, including the 4th Congressional District of Connecticut, held elections in 2024. The general election was November 5, 2024. The primary was August 13, 2024. The filing deadline was June 11, 2024. The outcome of this race affected the partisan balance of the U.S. House of Representatives in the 119th Congress. All 435 House districts were up for election.

At the time of the election, Republicans held a 220-212 majority with three vacancies. As a result of the election, Republicans retained control of the U.S. House, winning 220 seats to Democrats' 215. To read more about the 2024 U.S. House elections, click here.

In the 2022 election in this district, the Democratic candidate won 59.4%-40.6%. Daily Kos calculated what the results of the 2020 presidential election in this district would have been following redistricting. Joe Biden (D) would have defeated Donald Trump (R) 64.8%-33.8%.

For more information about the primaries in this election, click on the links below:

• Connecticut's 4th Congressional District election, 2024 (August 13 Democratic primary)
• Connecticut's 4th Congressional District election, 2024 (August 13 Republican primary)

Candidates and election results

General election

General election for U.S. House Connecticut District 4

Incumbent Jim Himes defeated Michael Goldstein and Benjamin Wesley in the general election for U.S. House Connecticut District 4 on November 5, 2024.

		Candidate	%	Votes
✔		Jim Himes (D)	61.1	200,791
		Michael Goldstein (R)	37.3	122,793
		Benjamin Wesley (Independent Party)	1.6	5,273

---

	Incumbents are bolded and underlined. The results have been certified. Source	Total votes: 328,857
= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey.
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Withdrawn or disqualified candidates

• Jaden Skudlarek (Independent)

Democratic primary election

The Democratic primary election was canceled. Incumbent Jim Himes advanced from the Democratic primary for U.S. House Connecticut District 4.

Republican primary election

Republican primary for U.S. House Connecticut District 4

Michael Goldstein defeated Bob MacGuffie in the Republican primary for U.S. House Connecticut District 4 on August 13, 2024.

		Candidate	%	Votes
✔		Michael Goldstein	53.7	4,312
		Bob MacGuffie	46.3	3,713

---

	There were no incumbents in this race. The results have been certified. Source	Total votes: 8,025
= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey.
Do you want a spreadsheet of this type of data? Contact our sales team.

Withdrawn or disqualified candidates

• Daniel Miressi (R)

Candidate profiles

This section includes candidate profiles that may be created in one of two ways: either the candidate completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey, or Ballotpedia staff may compile a profile based on campaign websites, advertisements, and public statements after identifying the candidate as noteworthy. For more on how we select candidates to include, click here.

Michael Goldstein

Party: Republican Party

Incumbent: No

Political Office: None

Submitted Biography:  "I am an Ophthalmic Surgeon who later became an attorney. As an officer, past President, and past Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the NY County Medical Society I have been an active advocate for improving our healthcare system. In 2022 as a political unknown I petitioned onto the ballot and obtained 40% of the votes in the Republican Congressional Primary. Since 2022, I have remained politically active and was elected to the Greenwich RTM where I serve on the Health and Human Services Committee. I believe in giving back and I have served on the boards of non-profits, including serving as President and later Chairman of the Board of my medical school alumni assn. I live in Greenwich CT with my wife Belle who is also a physician; I raised my children here. I am passionate believer in the greatness of our American democracy and the opportunities it offers to all people regardless of, race, religion, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation and economic circumstances to achieve success. I have seen this great country being destroyed from within by the Biden administration and enablers like my congressional opponent and I cannot stand by and let this happen. I am determined to fight for our way of life so that our democracy is preserved for the next generation. This is a driving force for my run for Congress. I believe that a Congressman needs to serve the people by taking positive steps to improve their lives while acting in the best interests of the US."

---

Key Messages

To read this candidate's full survey responses, click here.

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Our economy is suffering from high energy prices, reckless government spending & the printing of money. Life has become unaffordable for many Americans. The price of gasoline, & heating oil have doubled. Natural gas, electricity, food prices & consumer goods are much higher. Higher interest rates make housing & car loans unaffordable. The interest costs on our federal debt will lead to higher taxes. We are being forced to buy oil from dictatorships rather than produce it here and creating American jobs. Ct. faces some of the highest electric bills in the country because federal laws block us from buying enough domestic natural gas to generate our electricity. We have to import it at higher prices. These laws must be changed.

---

Our border must be closed to illegal immigration. Criminals, gang members, terrorists , drug, sex and child traffickers must be deported. Illegal aliens must be defunded. It is absurd that we are providing extensive economic benefits to illegal entrants into our country. Crime shouldn’t pay. Fentanyl originating in China, packed in Mexico and smuggled into the US, is killing tens of thousands of Americans. Counterfeit pills labeled oxycodone or something else contain fatal doses of fentanyl are killing unsuspecting Americans. To me that is murder and those who sell lethal fentanyl pills are murderers. I will propose laws that make this crime murder and those who make and distribute these pills should be prosecuted for murder.

---

Our healthcare system has become overly expensive and overly bureaucratic. Physicians and other healthcare providers suffer burnout from the regulatory compliance that takes up to 20 hours per week of their time. Patients feel that healthcare has become more of a business and they feel that they are no longer the priority. High deductibles keep middle class and working class people from seeking medical care and they loose the benefit of preventive care. There is little competition and choice in healthcare. This needs to be reformed, competition which lowers prices and improves quality must be expanded. Patient dissatisfaction, physician burnout, overregulation, and loss of competition and choice must be reversed. Patients must come first.

This information was current as of the candidate's run for U.S. House Connecticut District 4 in 2024.

Benjamin Wesley

Party: Independent Party

Incumbent: No

Political Office: None

Submitted Biography:  "A 35 Trillion dollar debt. Listless leaders who are either ignorant or apathetic to the problems Americans face. A genocide of a people paid for with our hard-earned tax-dollars. It's time we look to each other to speak out and fight for real solutions. We must demand leadership that fights for peace and prosperity!"

---

Key Messages

To read this candidate's full survey responses, click here.

---

Fight for Peace in Gaza and Ukraine-I am deeply concerned and alarmed by the genocide in Gaza, and the threats of wider war -- including possible use of nuclear weapons -- in both the Middle East and the Ukraine-Russia conflict. Our current Congressman, Jim Himes, supports the continued arming of both Israel and Ukraine, and will not be moved from his position. That position needs to change, and that is why I am running as the peace candidate.

---

2. ***A 21st Century Peace Dividend*** The Cold War is over. So is the War on Terror. America does not need the one trillion dollar plus annual defense budget that it currently has. It does not need the more than 800 bases it currently maintains worldwide. Let's identify what savings in military spending can be made and return that money to the People! This can be either in the form of lower taxes or investments in affordable housing, improved schools, new infrastructure, and better social services. This was successfully done in the 1990's, a time of greater prosperity and large job growth.

---

3.***Save our schools, save our children*** The education of our children is critical to the betterment of our society. Unfortunately, within each of our three largest school systems(Stamford, Norwalk, Bridgeport) most of the kids are reading and doing math at a proficiency level well below average. Additionally, recent articles indicated that in Norwalk ,there were teacher staffing cuts in 2023. Additionally, Bridgeport’s Superintendent is recommending closing 6 public schools due to inadequate funding and building conditions. Over 1400 children will be affected and no commitment has been made to existing staff. Many could be let go.

This information was current as of the candidate's run for U.S. House Connecticut District 4 in 2024.

Voting information

See also: Voting in Connecticut

Election information in Connecticut: Nov. 5, 2024, election.

What was the voter registration deadline?

• In-person: Nov. 5, 2024
• By mail: Postmarked by Oct. 18, 2024
• Online: Oct. 18, 2024

Was absentee/mail-in voting available to all voters?

No

What was the absentee/mail-in ballot request deadline?

• In-person: Nov. 4, 2024
• By mail: N/A by N/A
• Online: N/A

What was the absentee/mail-in ballot return deadline?

• In-person: Nov. 4, 2024
• By mail: Received by Nov. 5, 2024

Was early voting available to all voters?

Yes

What were the early voting start and end dates?

Oct. 21, 2024 to Nov. 3, 2024

Were all voters required to present ID at the polls? If so, was a photo or non-photo ID required?

N/A

When were polls open on Election Day?

6:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m. (EST)

Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey responses

Ballotpedia asks all federal, state, and local candidates to complete a survey and share what motivates them on political and personal levels. The section below shows responses from candidates in this race who completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey. Candidates are asked three required questions for this survey, but they may answer additional optional questions as well.

Survey responses from candidates in this race

Click on a candidate's name to visit their Ballotpedia page.

Note: Ballotpedia reserves the right to edit Candidate Connection survey responses. Any edits made by Ballotpedia will be clearly marked with [brackets] for the public. If the candidate disagrees with an edit, he or she may request the full removal of the survey response from Ballotpedia.org. Ballotpedia does not edit or correct typographical errors unless the candidate's campaign requests it.

Expand all | Collapse all

Please list below 3 key messages of your campaign. What are the main points you want voters to remember about your goals for your time in office?

Michael Goldstein (R)

Our economy is suffering from high energy prices, reckless government spending & the printing of money. Life has become unaffordable for many Americans. The price of gasoline, & heating oil have doubled. Natural gas, electricity, food prices & consumer goods are much higher. Higher interest rates make housing & car loans unaffordable. The interest costs on our federal debt will lead to higher taxes. We are being forced to buy oil from dictatorships rather than produce it here and creating American jobs. Ct. faces some of the highest electric bills in the country because federal laws block us from buying enough domestic natural gas to generate our electricity. We have to import it at higher prices. These laws must be changed.

Our border must be closed to illegal immigration. Criminals, gang members, terrorists , drug, sex and child traffickers must be deported. Illegal aliens must be defunded. It is absurd that we are providing extensive economic benefits to illegal entrants into our country. Crime shouldn’t pay. Fentanyl originating in China, packed in Mexico and smuggled into the US, is killing tens of thousands of Americans. Counterfeit pills labeled oxycodone or something else contain fatal doses of fentanyl are killing unsuspecting Americans. To me that is murder and those who sell lethal fentanyl pills are murderers. I will propose laws that make this crime murder and those who make and distribute these pills should be prosecuted for murder.

Our healthcare system has become overly expensive and overly bureaucratic. Physicians and other healthcare providers suffer burnout from the regulatory compliance that takes up to 20 hours per week of their time. Patients feel that healthcare has become more of a business and they feel that they are no longer the priority. High deductibles keep middle class and working class people from seeking medical care and they loose the benefit of preventive care. There is little competition and choice in healthcare. This needs to be reformed, competition which lowers prices and improves quality must be expanded. Patient dissatisfaction, physician burnout, overregulation, and loss of competition and choice must be reversed. Patients must come first.

Benjamin Wesley (Independent)

Fight for Peace in Gaza and Ukraine-I am deeply concerned and alarmed by the genocide in Gaza, and the threats of wider war -- including possible use of nuclear weapons -- in both the Middle East and the Ukraine-Russia conflict. Our current Congressman, Jim Himes, supports the continued arming of both Israel and Ukraine, and will not be moved from his position. That position needs to change, and that is why I am running as the peace candidate.

2. ***A 21st Century Peace Dividend***

The Cold War is over.  So is the War on Terror.  America does not need the one trillion dollar plus annual defense budget that it currently has.  It does not need the more than 800 bases it currently maintains worldwide.  Let's identify what savings in military spending can be made and return that money to the People! This can be either in the form of lower taxes or investments in affordable housing, improved schools, new infrastructure, and better social services. This was successfully done in the 1990's, a time of greater prosperity and large job growth.

3.***Save our schools, save our children***

The education of our children is critical to the betterment of our society. Unfortunately, within each of our three largest school systems(Stamford, Norwalk, Bridgeport) most of the kids are reading and doing math at a proficiency level well below average. Additionally, recent articles indicated that in Norwalk ,there were teacher staffing cuts in 2023. Additionally, Bridgeport’s Superintendent is recommending closing 6 public schools due to inadequate funding and building conditions. Over 1400 children will be affected and no commitment has been made to existing staff. Many could be let go.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

Michael Goldstein (R)

I am passionate about creating a more cost-effective healthcare system where physicians can focus on their primary goal of treating patients rather than bureaucratic compliance, patients come first & there is competition & choice how medical care is provided. I am for streamlining our FDA regulatory process so that drugs can come to the market sooner & at lower prices. I strongly believe that Congress must play an active role, through legislation, to ensure that the regulatory state is limited to carrying out the laws passed by Congress rather than rewriting them. Regulations must be changed so that Mini-nuclear power plants can be built cost effectively & faster enabling us to expand reliable production of green energy.

Benjamin Wesley (Independent)

I care about international affairs, education and homeless/housing issues.

Who do you look up to? Whose example would you like to follow, and why?

Michael Goldstein (R)

I look up to Benjamin Franklin. He was a patriot, inventor, statemen and businessman. He was good at all of these activities.

Is there a book, essay, film, or something else you would recommend to someone who wants to understand your political philosophy?

Michael Goldstein (R)

Atlas Shrugged by Ayn Rand although written almost 70 years ago it has predicted the consequences of a government that strongly resembles the Biden administration. Putting unqualified people in positions of power can have devastating consequences. That is happening now. It describes the consequences of government managed economy that is subject to political influence and even corruption. Government micromanagement of the economy needs to be replaced by a free market based on competition and market forces. When the government picks winners and losers good companies can fail and weak companies that would fail prosper. But in the end even these bad companies fail. Creativity, ingenuity, hard work and innovation must be rewarded or these skills will remain unused. An untruthful government that does not disclose its failures is on borrowed time because the truth eventually comes to light. We have seen it today with the covering up of President Biden’s cognitive decline and allowing not elected officials to exercise power.

What characteristics or principles are most important for an elected official?

Michael Goldstein (R)

An elected official must be an advocate for their constituents. They also must be credible and trustworthy. Constituents must believe in that credibility and integrity or there is distrust in the political system. The ability to assess which other legislators are friend or foe is essential to building the coalitions necessary to legislate. Since not all legislation is passed by one party the ability to deal effectively with legislators of the opposing party without compromising one’s principles is necessary. The final quality is the ability to get elected. Without electability a candidate never gets elected and the other skills and traits don’t matter.

What qualities do you possess that you believe would make you a successful officeholder?

Michael Goldstein (R)

I have the qualities of leadership and the courage of my convictions I am able to think outside of the box and come up with different approaches and innovative solutions. As a physician who for many years has treated patients of all backgrounds and socioeconomic classes I am able to interact with just about anybody. I treat all people with respect and listen to their concerns. I able to have civil conversations with people who do not agree with me. My background and both a physician and an attorney gives me unique skill sets to deal with healthcare issues and look at legislation from a legal perspective.

Benjamin Wesley (Independent)

I'm diligent and hardworking. I won't spend taxpayer money on senseless wars.

What do you believe are the core responsibilities for someone elected to this office?

Michael Goldstein (R)

An elected official is a representative, obliged to serve the interest of their constituents. A representative must fulfill the responsibilities of being present during the legislative session, attend committee meetings and vote on all bills. Prior to voting a legislator must understand the legislation. They should publicly express their support or objection to a bill and their reasons. A legislator must also seek and arrange for passage of legislation that directly benefits their district. An infrastructure that is accessible to the constituents that is properly staffed must be created. Constituent’s letters must be answered and the should be updated regarding what is happening in Congress.

What legacy would you like to leave?

Michael Goldstein (R)

I have the qualities of leadership and the courage of my convictions I am able to think outside of the box and come up with different approaches and innovative solutions. As a physician who for many years has treated patients of all backgrounds and socioeconomic classes I am able to interact with just about anybody. I treat all people with respect and listen to their concerns. I able to have civil conversations with people who do not agree with me. My background and both a physician and an attorney gives me unique skill sets to deal with healthcare issues and look at legislation from a legal perspective. I would like to be remembered as someone who came to Washington and was the proponent of legislation that improved people’s lives. Returning our healthcare system to a cost effective, competitive system that puts patients first that enable doctors to fulfill their role as patient advocates and eliminates excessive bureaucracy is one of my goals. Reforming our regulatory system so that regulatory agencies follow the laws written by congress rather than making new laws by regulation. Congress must re-assert its role as a legislative body.

What is the first historical event that happened in your lifetime that you remember? How old were you at the time?

Michael Goldstein (R)

The first historical event was breaking my leg at three years of age. I remember lying in the back seat of my parents car and being taken to the doctor where I was xrayed and castes. I remember walking around in a plaster cast until it healed. I then remember the cast being sawed off my leg

Benjamin Wesley (Independent)

I remember watching the challenger explode live as an elementary child.

What was your very first job? How long did you have it?

Michael Goldstein (R)

My first job was in the summer between high school and college where I worked as a tray carrier and later a busboy in a hotel located in the Catskill region of New York State

What is your favorite book? Why?

Michael Goldstein (R)

The Appeal by John Grisham This describes the ugly side of our political system where an economically powerful entity can select, promote, finance and elect, an otherwise unqualified person, who then carries out the bidding of those who got him elected. This is the type of political corruption and manipulation that must be avoided. It is scary and yet this story is not farfetched.

If you could be any fictional character, who would you want to be?

Michael Goldstein (R)

I like Rocky Balboa someone who is a man of the people who through hard work and determination succeeded in achieving his goals. That is the message of what America is all about. A land of opportunity where if you have the strength determination and ability and are willing to fight for what you believe in you can make it happen.

What was the last song that got stuck in your head?

Michael Goldstein (R)

An old song by Frank Sinatra that brings us back to a different America.

Frank Sinatra – The House I Live In (That’s America to Me) These are the words “What is America to me A name, a map, or a flag I see A certain word, democracy What is America to me

The house I live in A plot of earth, the street The grocer and the butcher Or the people that I meet The children in the playground The faces that I see All races and religions That's America to me

The place I work in The worker by my side The little town the city Where my people lived and died The howdy and the handshake The air a feeling free And the right to speak your mind out That's America to me

The things I see about me The big things and the small That little corner newsstand Or the house a mile tall The wedding and the churchyard The laughter and the tears The dream that's been a growing For more than two hundred years

The town I live in The street, the house, the room The pavement of the city Or a garden all in bloom The church the school the clubhouse The millions lights I see Especially the people That's America to me”

These words hark back to a bygone era of unity, pride, optimism and the freedom to speak your mind. We need more of that today.

What is something that has been a struggle in your life?

Michael Goldstein (R)

I have had many struggles in my life but I have almost never viewed them as struggles but instead opportunities. One of the greatest struggles in my life involved the unnecessary death of my mother and my inability to obtain justice. In 2016 my mother was visiting my brother, who had advanced lung cancer in Houston Texas. My mother was walking along the side of the hospital on her way to the hospital entrance to visit him when she tripped , fell on her face and stopped breathing. Employees from the hospital, including nurses, were called. But even though they knew that my mother was not breathing, they did nothing to help except call 911 for an ambulance. A long time elapsed and despite the fact that she was resuscitated she was brain dead. Her death was unnecessary and there was no recourse. No agency would take any action. Despite the fact that my mother had insurance she was left on the street to die as hospital workers watched it happen. My struggle with this situation strengthens my resolve to make sure that something like this never happens to someone else’s. spouse, parent sibling or child. Even writing about this brings back painful memories.

What qualities does the U.S. House of Representatives possess that makes it unique as an institution?

Michael Goldstein (R)

The house is the most representative bodies in the US government. Representation is based on population and each district gets to choose the representative who most closely represents the positions and values of their community. Both parties are represented on committees based on the number of members but everyone gets a chance to express their opinion. The term is short so that when attitudes or demographics within a district change so can who represents the district change. It is the most responsive part of our Constitutional Republic to the citizens.

Do you believe that it's beneficial for representatives to have previous experience in government or politics?

Michael Goldstein (R)

Understanding how a legislative body works and its limitations are important to having realistic expectations as a new congressman. Too much political experience leads to detachment from the voters. A candidate must have real life and real world experience to best serve ordinary constituents. Therefore some experience is good but too much is not.

What do you perceive to be the United States’ greatest challenges as a nation over the next decade?

Michael Goldstein (R)

The US population is polarized and that has been exacerbated by divisive political rhetoric. There needs to be a realization that despite our differences that all citizens have more in common than that which divides us. Inflation must be curbed by achieving energy independence, reducing wasteful government spending and stimulating economic growth. We need to intelligently exploit renewable and nuclear green energy that is domestically manufactured and does not produce environmental unintended consequences. We need to use our capacity to produce oil and natural gas in excess of our needs that can be sold to countries that are friendly to us. Both are cleaner energy sources than coal. We must use economic power to weaken the countries that are our military adversaries through lowering global energy prices leaving countries like Russia and Iran with less money to fund wars and terrorism. Our education system must be refocused from indoctrination to teaching the skills necessary in a 21st Century economy. The world is geopolitically unstable with China, Russia, Iran and North Korea looking to join forces and achieve global dominance. This outcome would be disastrous. We must use economic power to weaken them, we must be prepared militarily to deter them and we must strengthen alliances with countries who would be adversely affected if these goals were achieved. This would include strengthening our alliances in Asia with Japan, South Korea, the Philippines, Australia and India. We must keep Israel strong and encourage the gulf states and Israel’s neighbors to collaborate in stopping Iranian nuclear, military and terrorist sponsored aggression. The border must be closed to illegal immigration and the destabilizing effect of illegal aliens who are terrorists, criminals, gang members, sex, human and drug traffickers must be eliminated. We must restore a sense of pride patriotism and unity in all Americans and the need to unite for the common good.

Do you believe that two years is the right term length for representatives?

Michael Goldstein (R)

Two years is a good time. The only problem is that too much time is spend on re-election campaigns. We need to simplify the election process.

What are your thoughts on term limits?

Michael Goldstein (R)

Being a congressman is not a lifetime job. The longer someone stays in office the more detached they become from those who have elected them. Longer term legislators are more loyal to their political bosses then their constituents. Therefor there must be term limits. Term limits must take into account that there is a learning curve for being a legislator. This could take up to two years. The legislator then needs time to be an effective legislator and that time should be maximized. Finally there is a transition to detachment from the voters which is when it is time to leave. Specific term limits should be based on objective data properly analyzed not some arbitrary limit.

Benjamin Wesley (Independent)

Yes, I think term limits are a great idea for both the house, senate, and the supreme court

Is there a particular representative, past or present, whom you want to model yourself after?

Michael Goldstein (R)

The representatives that are most visible are the ones that are the best at self promotion. Often they are not the ones I would like to emulate. The best representatives often work in the background and are relatively unknown. I am hopeful that I will get to meet and learn from them.

Both sitting representatives and candidates for office hear many personal stories from the residents of their district. Is there a story that you’ve heard that you found particularly touching, memorable, or impactful?

Michael Goldstein (R)

When I was one of only two Republicans to march in the Bridgeport Puerto Rican Day Parade I heard multiple stories regarding the poor quality of the Bridgeport Public Schools. They are in the bottom five school districts in the state. Concerned parents who wanted the best for their children told stories about how they had to take on second and third jobs so that their children could attend a private or parochial school. This is unacceptable and I told them that I believed in school choice and vouchers that would ease that burden. They were so grateful that someone cared enough to try and help to change the system. I will do my best to make that happen and offer better education opportunities in our cities without breaking the backs of working-class Americans.

Do you believe that compromise is necessary or desirable for policymaking?

Michael Goldstein (R)

Unfortunately you can’t always get everything you want in a bill. You must fight as hard as you can to create legislation that you believe in and serves the best interest of your constituents. Sometimes compromise is necessary, as long as the results are acceptable, and does not require that you compromise your principles and beliefs.

The Constitution says that all bills for raising revenue must originate in the House. What role would this power play in your priorities if elected?

Michael Goldstein (R)

The need for revenue bills to originate in the House empowers the House ,even when the other party has the majority in the Senate and controls the Presidency, to limit how much the government spends. Unreasonable taxes can be blocked. Necessary ones can be authorized and have expiration dates. Income tax and corporate tax rates can be modified. This gives the House the power to protect the citizens and businesses from being overtaxed.

How should the U.S. House use its investigative powers?

Michael Goldstein (R)

The House needs to use its powers to investigate, corruption, malfeasance, incompetence and activities by government officials that are not in the best interest of the country.

Benjamin Wesley (Independent)

Yes, the house should have investigative powers.

What organizations or individuals have endorsed your campaign?

Michael Goldstein (R)

Ct Lodge Frat Order of Police

- N Y Young Republican Club (NYYRC) - Med Soc State of New York (MSSNY) - Latinos United Conservative Action (LUCA) - Stand For Health Freedom - Ct Federation of College Republicans - Ct RNC Woman &Frmr US Senate Candidate Leora Levy - Senate Republican Leader Stephen Harding - Greenwich CT First Selectman Fred Camillo - Greenwich CT First Selectman Lauren Rabin - Ct State Senator Ryan Fazio - Oxford First Selectman George Temple - Oxford Selectman Arnie Jensen - Shelton Mayor Mark Lauretti - State Representative Tom O’Dea

- Kevin Jenkins, CEO Informed Class LLC

Benjamin Wesley (Independent)

Justice for Palestine in Congress

What committees interest you?

Michael Goldstein (R)

Below are committees that have subcommittees that I would be interested in serving on. Agriculture, Appropriations, Armed Services, Budget, Energy and Commerce, Financial Services, Foreign Affairs, Homeland Security, Judiciary, Natural Resources, Science, Space and Technology, Small Business, Transportation and Infrastructure, Veterans' Affairs, Ways and Means, Intelligence (Permanent Select)

Benjamin Wesley (Independent)

I'm interested in the intelligence committee

What are your views on financial transparency and government accountability?

Michael Goldstein (R)

In the end the truth comes out so why not disclose it from the beginning. Our government’s support by the people depends on the people believing that it is both transparent and truthful. When it is not distrust and loss of support results. Elected officials who are proven liars do not get re-elected. President Truman ran the government by the principal that ‘The buck stops here”. This means that the president is ultimately responsible for the success or failure of an administration. That is what is expected from a responsible president.

Campaign finance

Name	Party	Receipts*	Disbursements**	Cash on hand	Date
Jim Himes	Democratic Party	$2,120,398	$1,672,878	$2,106,818	As of December 31, 2024
Michael Goldstein	Republican Party	$156,511	$156,511	$0	As of December 3, 2024
Bob MacGuffie	Republican Party	$102,145	$101,091	$1,054	As of October 10, 2024
Benjamin Wesley	Independent Party	$0	$0	$0	Data not available***
Source: Federal Elections Commission, "Campaign finance data," 2024. This product uses the openFEC API but is not endorsed or certified by the Federal Election Commission (FEC). * According to the FEC, "Receipts are anything of value (money, goods, services or property) received by a political committee." ** According to the FEC, a disbursement "is a purchase, payment, distribution, loan, advance, deposit or gift of money or anything of value to influence a federal election," plus other kinds of payments not made to influence a federal election. *** Candidate either did not report any receipts or disbursements to the FEC, or Ballotpedia did not find an FEC candidate ID.

General election race ratings

See also: Race rating definitions and methods

Ballotpedia provides race ratings from four outlets: The Cook Political Report, Inside Elections, Sabato's Crystal Ball, and DDHQ/The Hill. Each race rating indicates if one party is perceived to have an advantage in the race and, if so, the degree of advantage:

• Safe and Solid ratings indicate that one party has a clear edge and the race is not competitive.
• Likely ratings indicate that one party has a clear edge, but an upset is possible.
• Lean ratings indicate that one party has a small edge, but the race is competitive.
• Toss-up ratings indicate that neither party has an advantage.

Race ratings are informed by a number of factors, including polling, candidate quality, and election result history in the race's district or state.

Race ratings: Connecticut's 4th Congressional District election, 2024
Race tracker	Race ratings
	November 5, 2024	October 29, 2024	October 22, 2024	October 15, 2024
The Cook Political Report with Amy Walter	Solid Democratic	Solid Democratic	Solid Democratic	Solid Democratic
Decision Desk HQ and The Hill	Safe Democratic	Safe Democratic	Safe Democratic	Safe Democratic
Inside Elections with Nathan L. Gonzales	Solid Democratic	Solid Democratic	Solid Democratic	Solid Democratic
Larry J. Sabato's Crystal Ball	Safe Democratic	Safe Democratic	Safe Democratic	Safe Democratic
Note: Ballotpedia reviews external race ratings every week throughout the election season and posts weekly updates even if the media outlets have not revised their ratings during that week.

Ballot access

The table below details filing requirements for U.S. House candidates in Connecticut in the 2024 election cycle. For additional information on candidate ballot access requirements in Connecticut, click here.

Filing requirements for U.S. House candidates, 2024
State	Office	Party	Signatures required	Filing fee	Filing deadline	Source
Connecticut	U.S. House	Ballot-qualified party	2% of registered party members in the district	N/A	6/11/2024	Source
Connecticut	U.S. House	Unaffiliated	1% of votes cast for the office in the last election, or 7,500, whichever is less	N/A	8/7/2024	Source

District analysis

Click the tabs below to view information about voter composition, past elections, and demographics in both the district and the state.

• District map - A map of the district in place for the election.
• Competitiveness - Information about the competitiveness of 2024 U.S. House elections in the state.
• Presidential elections - Information about presidential elections in the district and the state.
• State party control - The partisan makeup of the state's congressional delegation and state government.

• District map
• Competitiveness
• Presidential elections
• State party control

Below was the map in use at the time of the election. Click the map below to enlarge it.

See also: Primary election competitiveness in state and federal government, 2024

This section contains data on U.S. House primary election competitiveness in Connecticut.

Connecticut U.S. House competitiveness, 2014-2024
Office	Districts/ offices	Seats	Open seats	Candidates	Possible primaries	Contested Democratic primaries	Contested Republican primaries	% of contested primaries	Incumbents in contested primaries	% of incumbents in contested primaries
2024	5	5	0	11	10	0	1	10.0%	0	0.0%
2022	5	5	0	11	10	0	1	10.0%	0	0.0%
2020	5	5	0	13	10	0	2	20.0%	0	0.0%
2018	5	5	1	13	10	1	1	20.0%	0	0.0%
2016	5	5	0	12	10	0	0	0.0%	0	0.0%
2014	5	5	0	10	10	0	0	0.0%	0	0.0%

Post-filing deadline analysis

The following analysis covers all U.S. House districts up for election in Connecticut in 2024. Information below was calculated on August 6, 2024, and may differ from information shown in the table above due to candidate replacements and withdrawals after that time.

Eleven candidates ran for Connecticut’s five U.S. House districts, including five Democrats and six Republicans. That’s an average of 2.2 candidates per district. There was an average of 2.2 candidates per district in 2022, 2.6 candidates per district in 2020, and 2.6 in 2018.

The number of candidates who ran for the U.S. House in Connecticut in 2024 was tied with 2022 for the second-fewest in the last 10 years.

No districts were open in 2024, meaning all incumbents ran for re-election. One district was open in 2018, the only election cycle in the last 10 years in which a district was open.

Three candidates—one Democrat and two Republicans—ran for the 4th Congressional District, the most candidates who ran for a district in Connecticut in 2024.

The Republican primary for the 4th Congressional District was the only contested primary in 2024.

No incumbents ran in a contested primary in 2024 for the sixth consecutive election cycle.

Candidates filed to run in the Republican and Democratic primaries in all five districts, meaning no seats are guaranteed to either party.

Partisan Voter Index

See also: The Cook Political Report's Partisan Voter Index

Heading into the 2024 elections, based on results from the 2020 and 2016 presidential elections, the Cook Partisan Voter Index for this district was D+13. This meant that in those two presidential elections, this district's results were 13 percentage points more Democratic than the national average. This made Connecticut's 4th the 111th most Democratic district nationally.

2020 presidential election results

The table below shows what the vote in the 2020 presidential election would have been in this district. The presidential election data was compiled by Daily Kos.

2020 presidential results in Connecticut's 4th based on 2024 district lines
Joe Biden	Donald Trump
64.8%	33.8%

Inside Elections Baselines

See also: Inside Elections

Inside Elections' Baseline is a figure that analyzes all federal and statewide election results from the district over the past four election cycles. The results are combined in an index estimating the strength of a typical Democratic or Republican candidate in the congressional district. The table below displays the Baseline data for this district.

Inside Elections Baseline for 2024
Democratic Baseline	Republican Baseline	Difference
58.6	40.2	D+18.4

Presidential voting history

See also: Presidential election in Connecticut, 2020

Connecticut presidential election results (1900-2020)

• 15 Democratic wins
• 16 Republican wins

Year	1900	1904	1908	1912	1916	1920	1924	1928	1932	1936	1940	1944	1948	1952	1956	1960	1964	1968	1972	1976	1980	1984	1988	1992	1996	2000	2004	2008	2012	2016	2020
Winning Party	R	R	R	D	R	R	R	R	R	D	D	D	R	R	R	D	D	D	R	R	R	R	R	D	D	D	D	D	D	D	D

See also: Party control of Connecticut state government

Congressional delegation

The table below displays the partisan composition of Connecticut's congressional delegation as of May 2024.

Congressional Partisan Breakdown from Connecticut
Party	U.S. Senate	U.S. House	Total
Democratic	2	5	7
Republican	0	0	0
Independent	0	0	0
Vacancies	0	0	0
Total	2	5	7

State executive

The table below displays the officeholders in Connecticut's top four state executive offices as of May 2024.

State executive officials in Connecticut, May 2024
Office	Officeholder
Governor	Ned Lamont
Lieutenant Governor	Susan Bysiewicz
Secretary of State	Stephanie Thomas
Attorney General	William Tong

State legislature

Connecticut State Senate

Party		As of February 2024
	Democratic Party	24
	Republican Party	12
	Other	0
	Vacancies	0
Total		36

Connecticut House of Representatives

Party		As of February 2024
	Democratic Party	98
	Republican Party	53
	Other	0
	Vacancies	0
Total		151

Trifecta control

The table below shows the state's trifecta status from 1992 until the 2024 election.

Connecticut Party Control: 1992-2024
Fourteen years of Democratic trifectas  •  No Republican trifectas
Scroll left and right on the table below to view more years.

Year	92	93	94	95	96	97	98	99	00	01	02	03	04	05	06	07	08	09	10	11	12	13	14	15	16	17	18	19	20	21	22	23	24
Governor	I	I	I	R	R	R	R	R	R	R	R	R	R	R	R	R	R	R	R	D	D	D	D	D	D	D	D	D	D	D	D	D	D
Senate	D	D	D	R	R	D	D	D	D	D	D	D	D	D	D	D	D	D	D	D	D	D	D	D	D	D	D	D	D	D	D	D	D
House	D	D	D	D	D	D	D	D	D	D	D	D	D	D	D	D	D	D	D	D	D	D	D	D	D	D	D	D	D	D	D	D	D

District history

The section below details election results for this office in elections dating back to 2018.

2022

See also: Connecticut's 4th Congressional District election, 2022

General election

General election for U.S. House Connecticut District 4

Incumbent Jim Himes defeated Jayme Stevenson in the general election for U.S. House Connecticut District 4 on November 8, 2022.

		Candidate	%	Votes
✔		Jim Himes (D)	59.4	140,262
		Jayme Stevenson (R / Independent Party)	40.6	95,822

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	Incumbents are bolded and underlined. The results have been certified. Source	Total votes: 236,084
= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey.
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Democratic primary election

The Democratic primary election was canceled. Incumbent Jim Himes advanced from the Democratic primary for U.S. House Connecticut District 4.

Republican primary election

Republican primary for U.S. House Connecticut District 4

Jayme Stevenson defeated Michael Goldstein in the Republican primary for U.S. House Connecticut District 4 on August 9, 2022.

		Candidate	%	Votes
✔		Jayme Stevenson	60.3	9,962
		Michael Goldstein	39.7	6,555

---

	There were no incumbents in this race. The results have been certified. Source	Total votes: 16,517
= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey.
Do you want a spreadsheet of this type of data? Contact our sales team.

2020

See also: Connecticut's 4th Congressional District election, 2020

General election

General election for U.S. House Connecticut District 4

Incumbent Jim Himes defeated Jonathan Riddle, Brian Merlen, and Yusheng Peng in the general election for U.S. House Connecticut District 4 on November 3, 2020.

		Candidate	%	Votes
✔		Jim Himes (D)	62.2	224,432
		Jonathan Riddle (R)	36.2	130,627
		Brian Merlen (Independent Party)	1.6	5,647
	Submit photo	Yusheng Peng (Independent) (Write-in)	0.0	10

---

	Incumbents are bolded and underlined. The results have been certified. Source	Total votes: 360,716
= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey.
Do you want a spreadsheet of this type of data? Contact our sales team.

Democratic primary election

The Democratic primary election was canceled. Incumbent Jim Himes advanced from the Democratic primary for U.S. House Connecticut District 4.

Withdrawn or disqualified candidates

• Brian Merlen (D)

Republican primary election

The Republican primary election was canceled. Jonathan Riddle advanced from the Republican primary for U.S. House Connecticut District 4.

Withdrawn or disqualified candidates

• Michael Goldstein (R)
• TJ Elgin (R)

2018

See also: Connecticut's 4th Congressional District election, 2018

General election

General election for U.S. House Connecticut District 4

Incumbent Jim Himes defeated Harry Arora in the general election for U.S. House Connecticut District 4 on November 6, 2018.

		Candidate	%	Votes
✔		Jim Himes (D)	61.2	168,726
		Harry Arora (R)	38.8	106,921
		Other/Write-in votes	0.0	4

---

	Incumbents are bolded and underlined. The results have been certified. Source	Total votes: 275,651
= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey.
Do you want a spreadsheet of this type of data? Contact our sales team.

See also

Connecticut	2024 primaries	2024 U.S. Congress elections
Connecticut congressional delegation Voting in Connecticut Connecticut elections: 2024 • 2023 • 2022 • 2021 • 2020 • 2019 • 2018	Democratic primary battlegrounds Republican primary battlegrounds U.S. Senate Democratic primaries U.S. Senate Republican primaries U.S. House Democratic primaries U.S. House Republican primaries	U.S. Congress elections U.S. Senate elections U.S. House elections Special elections Ballot access

External links

• Search Google News for this topic

Footnotes

[show]

Connecticut's current delegation to the United States Congress

Senators

Richard Blumenthal (D)

Christopher Murphy (D)

Representatives

District 1

John Larson (D)

District 2

Joe Courtney (D)

District 3

Rosa DeLauro (D)

District 4

Jim Himes (D)

District 5

Jahana Hayes (D)

Democratic Party (7)

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