Connecticut's 5th Congressional District election, 2026

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Connecticut's 5th Congressional District
General election
Election details
Filing deadline: June 9, 2026
Primary: August 11, 2026 General: November 3, 2026
How to vote
Poll times: 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. Voting in Connecticut
Race ratings
Cook Political Report: Likely Democratic DDHQ and The Hill: Pending Inside Elections: Solid Democratic Sabato's Crystal Ball: Likely Democratic
Ballotpedia analysis
U.S. Senate battlegrounds U.S. House battlegrounds Federal and state primary competitiveness Ballotpedia's Election Analysis Hub, 2026
See also
Connecticut's 5th Congressional District 1st • 2nd • 3rd • 4th • 5th Connecticut elections, 2026 U.S. Congress elections, 2026 U.S. Senate elections, 2026 U.S. House elections, 2026 Alabama U.S. House racesAlaska U.S. House raceArizona U.S. House racesArkansas U.S. House racesCalifornia U.S. House racesColorado U.S. House racesConnecticut U.S. House racesDelaware U.S. House raceFlorida 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 raceOhio 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 raceTennessee U.S. House racesTexas U.S. House racesUtah U.S. House racesVermont U.S. House raceVirginia U.S. House racesWashington U.S. House racesWest Virginia U.S. House racesWisconsin U.S. House racesWyoming U.S. House raceSubmit

All U.S. House districts, including the 5th Congressional District of Connecticut, are holding elections in 2026. The general election is November 3, 2026. To learn more about other elections on the ballot, click here.

Candidates and election results

Note: The following list includes official candidates only. Ballotpedia defines official candidates as people who:

• Register with a federal or state campaign finance agency before the candidate filing deadline
• Appear on candidate lists released by government election agencies

Note: At this time, Ballotpedia is combining all declared candidates for this election into one list under a general election heading. As primary election dates are published, this information will be updated to separate general election candidates from primary candidates as appropriate.

General election

The general election will occur on November 3, 2026.

General election for U.S. House Connecticut District 5

Incumbent Jahana Hayes, Winter Solomita, Michele Botelho, Jonathan De Barros, and Jackson Taddeo-Waite are running in the general election for U.S. House Connecticut District 5 on November 3, 2026.

		Candidate
		Jahana Hayes (D)
	Submit photo	Winter Solomita (D)
		Michele Botelho (R)
		Jonathan De Barros (R)
	Submit photo	Jackson Taddeo-Waite (Independent)

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	Incumbents are bolded and underlined.
= 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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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.

Michele Botelho

Party: Republican Party

Incumbent: No

Political Office: None

Submitted Biography:  "I am a wife, a mother, and a caregiver. I received a Bachelor of Science in Political Science from Northeastern University. I received my Paralegal Certification from Boston University. I worked for the MA Dept. of Labor, the IRS, and law firms. I also worked for the Public School system tutoring children and as a CNA caring for the elderly. I homeschooled my children until they were ready for college. I ran a small business. I am and have always been committed to public service. I volunteer at food shelters and help single mothers and low-income families. I volunteer at church to instill humility and integrity into our young children."

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Key Messages

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

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I pledge to help continue to restore America's integrity to what it was intended to be by our Founding Fathers. A government that protects and ensures individual rights.

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I pledge to help make America energy independent and bring back manufacturing jobs to bring the costs of goods and services down.

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I pledge to help to lower taxes and bring down the costs for health care.

Voting information

See also: Voting in Connecticut

Ballotpedia will publish the dates and deadlines related to this election as they are made available.

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?

Michele Botelho (R)

I pledge to help continue to restore America's integrity to what it was intended to be by our Founding Fathers. A government that protects and ensures individual rights.

I pledge to help make America energy independent and bring back manufacturing jobs to bring the costs of goods and services down.

I pledge to help to lower taxes and bring down the costs for health care.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

Michele Botelho (R)

I am passionate about ensuring the integrity and freedoms of America. Bringing back the American Dream. Protecting the most vulnerable of our society, the elderly and children. Truth, Justice, and Liberty for all.

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

Michele Botelho (R)

I first follow the teachings of Christ. I also, look up to my parents, who came to this country with nothing, and raised a family by working hard and instilling a good work ethic in us.

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

Michele Botelho (R)

Honesty, Integrity, Compassion, and Strength.

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

Michele Botelho (R)

To make laws to protect and enhance the life of its citizens.

What legacy would you like to leave?

Michele Botelho (R)

A legacy that helped bring America back to its greatness and power back to the people

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

Michele Botelho (R)

Becoming a child of God! Visiting the UN and its leaders and being chosen, along with schoolmates to represent a country.

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

Michele Botelho (R)

My very first jobs, at the age of 14 was working in a mail room factory sorting mail and a sewing factory sorting clothes.

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

Michele Botelho (R)

A congressional representative represents his/her constituents more than the state.

Congress is the purse of the nation and should vote to allow funds to be allocated like they are spending their own money and only to benefit the country.

Congress has the power to impeach corrupt leaders.

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

Michele Botelho (R)

If experience is any indication of some of our leadership than no. Experiencing the same issues as your constituents gives a representative the ability to lead with humility and integrity.

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

Michele Botelho (R)

To bring down inflation, the costs of goods and services.

Make healthcare affordable. Drug addiction and crime.

Bring about patriotic unity.

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

Michele Botelho (R)

Alot can be accomplished in two years. I believe it is an appropriate amount of time for the constituents to get to know how they are being represented.

What are your thoughts on term limits?

Michele Botelho (R)

I'm open to them. I believe it is not the age but the effectiveness to legislate and represent.

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?

Michele Botelho (R)

There are actually many that I have heard. I'm actually helping a single mother of 7 who is currently living in section 8 housing, and she is trying to restore her life and her kids' lives by going back to school and doing what is necessary to get off of welfare.

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

Michele Botelho (R)

Yes, but only when it does not compromise the quality of life of its citizens.

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?

Michele Botelho (R)

Government cannot generate wealth; the American people work hard to do that. They should have a say in all spending. I know what it is to live paycheck to paycheck and to provide for a family. I would do my best to protect and serve while keeping taxes and inflation low.

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

Michele Botelho (R)

The House of Representatives should use its investigative power to enforce accountability, transparency, and legislation and not for personal agendas.

What organizations or individuals have endorsed your campaign?

Michele Botelho (R)

Manufacturing companies in the district. BlacPac

Candidates hear many personal stories from voters. Is there a story that you’ve heard that you found particularly touching or memorable?

Michele Botelho (R)

A single mom trying to help her son get off of drugs. Her struggles and hardship.

What is an accomplishment that you are proud of?

Michele Botelho (R)

Raising children who are productive, compassionate and caring. Helping others in their time of need with money, food, and shelter.

What role should the United States government have in the development or use of artificial intelligence?

Michele Botelho (R)

To inform with truth and evidence. To monitor any harm and difficulties that it may bring about.

What legislation would you enact related to election administration in the United States?

Michele Botelho (R)

To vote in elections: need to a be a citizen with an ID. No ballot boxes but many places/choices with monitors a person can go and vote.

You can ask candidates in this race to fill out the survey by clicking their names below:

• Jahana Hayes

Campaign finance

Name	Party	Receipts*	Disbursements**	Cash on hand	Date
Jahana Hayes	Democratic Party	$737,866	$393,732	$866,686	As of September 30, 2025
Winter Solomita	Democratic Party	$0	$0	$0	Data not available***
Michele Botelho	Republican Party	$12,350	$11,064	$-4,195	As of September 30, 2025
Jonathan De Barros	Republican Party	$11,842	$7,322	$-1,273	As of September 30, 2025
Jackson Taddeo-Waite	Independent	$0	$0	$0	Data not available***
Source: Federal Elections Commission, "Campaign finance data," 2026. 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 5th Congressional District election, 2026
Race tracker	Race ratings
	11/4/2025	10/28/2025	10/21/2025	10/14/2025
The Cook Political Report with Amy Walter	Likely Democratic	Likely Democratic	Likely Democratic	Likely Democratic
Decision Desk HQ and The Hill	Pending	Pending	Pending	Pending
Inside Elections with Nathan L. Gonzales	Solid Democratic	Solid Democratic	Solid Democratic	Solid Democratic
Larry J. Sabato's Crystal Ball	Likely Democratic	Likely Democratic	Likely Democratic	Likely 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 2026 election cycle. For additional information on candidate ballot access requirements in Connecticut, click here.

Filing requirements for U.S. House candidates, 2026
State	Office	Party	Signatures required	Filing fee	Filing deadline	Source
Connecticut	U.S. House	Ballot-qualified party	2% of enrolled party members	N/A	6/9/2026	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	6/9/2026	Source

District history

The section below details election results for this office in elections dating back to 2020.

2024

See also: Connecticut's 5th Congressional District election, 2024

Connecticut's 5th Congressional District election, 2024 (August 13 Democratic primary)

Connecticut's 5th Congressional District election, 2024 (August 13 Republican primary)

General election

General election for U.S. House Connecticut District 5

Incumbent Jahana Hayes defeated George Logan in the general election for U.S. House Connecticut District 5 on November 5, 2024.

		Candidate	%	Votes
✔		Jahana Hayes (D / Working Families Party)	53.4	180,268
		George Logan (R)	46.6	157,258
		Other/Write-in votes	0.0	79

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	Incumbents are bolded and underlined. The results have been certified. Source	Total votes: 337,605
= 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 Jahana Hayes advanced from the Democratic primary for U.S. House Connecticut District 5.

Republican primary election

The Republican primary election was canceled. George Logan advanced from the Republican primary for U.S. House Connecticut District 5.

Withdrawn or disqualified candidates

• Michele Botelho (R)

2022

See also: Connecticut's 5th Congressional District election, 2022

General election

General election for U.S. House Connecticut District 5

Incumbent Jahana Hayes defeated George Logan in the general election for U.S. House Connecticut District 5 on November 8, 2022.

		Candidate	%	Votes
✔		Jahana Hayes (D / Working Families Party)	50.4	127,838
		George Logan (R / Independent Party)	49.6	125,834

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	Incumbents are bolded and underlined. The results have been certified. Source	Total votes: 253,672
= 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 Jahana Hayes advanced from the Democratic primary for U.S. House Connecticut District 5.

Withdrawn or disqualified candidates

• Marcus Furze (D)

Republican primary election

The Republican primary election was canceled. George Logan advanced from the Republican primary for U.S. House Connecticut District 5.

Withdrawn or disqualified candidates

• Michele Botelho (R)

2020

See also: Connecticut's 5th Congressional District election, 2020

General election

General election for U.S. House Connecticut District 5

Incumbent Jahana Hayes defeated David Xavier Sullivan and Bruce Walczak in the general election for U.S. House Connecticut District 5 on November 3, 2020.

		Candidate	%	Votes
✔		Jahana Hayes (D / Working Families Party)	55.1	192,484
		David Xavier Sullivan (R)	43.5	151,988
		Bruce Walczak (Independent Party)	1.4	5,052

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	Incumbents are bolded and underlined. The results have been certified. Source	Total votes: 349,524
= 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 Jahana Hayes advanced from the Democratic primary for U.S. House Connecticut District 5.

Republican primary election

The Republican primary election was canceled. David Xavier Sullivan advanced from the Republican primary for U.S. House Connecticut District 5.

Withdrawn or disqualified candidates

• Ryan Meehan (R)
• Peter Robert Barresi (R)
• Ruben Rodriguez (R)
• Robert Hyde (R)

District analysis

This section will contain facts and figures related to this district's elections when those are available.

See also

Connecticut	2026 primaries	2026 U.S. Congress elections
Connecticut congressional delegation Voting in Connecticut Connecticut elections: 2026 • 2025 • 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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Election information

Ballot access for major and minor party candidates • List of candidates running for election • List of congressional challengers • Congressional incumbents not running for re-election

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Super PACs/Organizations

American Bridge 21st Century • American Crossroads • American Unity PAC • Campaign for Primary Accountability • Club for Growth Action • Congressional Leadership Fund • Cooperative of American Physicians IE Committee• Crossroads Generation • Ending Spending Action Fund • Endorse Liberty • Fair Share Action • FreedomWorks for America • Government Integrity Fund • House Majority PAC • Independence USA Fund • League of Conservation Voters • Liberty for All PAC • Majority PAC • National Association of Realtors • NEA Advocacy Fund • Now or Never PAC • Planned Parenthood Votes • Ready for Hillary • Republicans for a Prosperous America • Restore America's Voice PAC • SEIU Pea-Federal • Women Vote!

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