Connecticut Republicans select candidates to challenge 2 long-serving Democratic congressmembers

With the upcoming primary election in Connecticut, Republicans are preparing to select their candidates for Congress in a state that has not elected a Republican to Washington in close to twenty years. The marquee congressional race is already set, with Democratic Rep. Jahana Hayes running for a fourth term against Republican George Logan, a former state senator whom Hayes defeated by a narrow margin in 2022.
Republicans are focusing on candidates they believe have the best chance to challenge incumbent Democratic representatives, Senator Chris Murphy and Representative Jim Himes, in less competitive races. In the Senate primary, Gerry Smith, a town official from Beacon Falls, is up against Matt Corey, a restaurant owner from Glastonbury. Both candidates believe Murphy is beatable, despite Connecticut not electing a Republican senator since Lowell P. Weicker in 1982.
Corey, a Navy veteran who lost to Murphy by a significant margin in 2018, is hopeful that the current political climate, marked by frustration over high energy costs and inflation, could work in the Republicans’ favor. Smith, highlighting his experience in local government, aims to convince voters of his ability to win against Murphy based on his past electoral victories.
Senator Murphy, seeking re-election for a third term, has a substantial lead in fundraising compared to his Republican challengers. As of June 30, Murphy had $9.7 million in cash on hand for the general election, while Smith had $4,245 and Corey had nearly $32,000 as of July 24. In the 4th Congressional District, Republicans will pick a candidate to challenge Representative Himes, with Bob MacGuffie, a financial executive and former tea party leader, facing off against Dr. Michael Goldstein, who previously lost in a primary in the same district.
Rep. Himes, seeking his ninth term, has a significant fundraising advantage over his Republican opponents. As of June 30, Himes had nearly $2.3 million in cash on hand, while MacGuffie had $42,750 and Goldstein had $98,366 as of July 24. Republicans in Connecticut have not held a congressional seat since 2007, and they have been absent from the state’s delegation since Himes succeeded former Rep. Chris Shays in 2009.