WATERBURY, Conn. — During a recent debate in Connecticut’s competitive 5th Congressional District, the name of former President Donald Trump came up several times, but it was only mentioned by the Democratic incumbent, U.S. Rep. Jahana Hayes. Her Republican challenger, George Logan, a former state senator, has attempted to position himself as a moderate candidate in their rematch following the close race of 2022. While he acknowledged his support for the GOP leadership, Logan emphasized his commitment to addressing the needs of the district’s politically diverse population rather than engaging in partisan politics.
“I’ve repeatedly stated that I will collaborate with whomever emerges victorious in the White House after November 5th, and I stand by that,” Logan expressed to reporters after the televised debate. He seemed to dismiss tactics he characterized as “gotcha politics” and reiterated his voting preferences without going into detail.
In contrast, Hayes accused Logan of being evasive, suggesting that he was trying to balance his appeal among different segments of voters. “I believe that his non-answer reveals more than any affirmative response could,” she remarked during the debate. Hayes further argued, “When Logan is in a room full of MAGA supporters, he is clear about his support for Trump. Yet, in more moderate or Democratic areas, he refrains from stating that.” After the debate, she implied that Logan’s opinions were contingent upon his audience.
Should Logan prevail, he would mark a significant milestone as the first Republican in Connecticut’s current all-Democratic congressional delegation, a streak that dates back to GOP Rep. Chris Shays, who lost his seat in 2008. The 5th District race is deemed the most competitive among the state’s five congressional contests.
Hayes, who took office in 2019 after being named national teacher of the year, highlighted her initiatives aimed at benefiting various constituents, including farmers and individuals seeking affordable housing. She cited her efforts to raise the minimum wage and reduce prescription drug costs, emphasizing the importance of economic issues while also acknowledging the country’s recovery from the pandemic and its low unemployment rate.
Meanwhile, Logan critiqued Hayes for inadequate measures to ease the financial burden on families grappling with rising grocery, gas, and rent prices. He accused her of being a compliant voice for the national Democratic leadership, asserting that she rarely diverges from their agenda—a claim Hayes contested. Logan, on his part, committed to supporting local legislation regardless of party affiliation. “My opponent can’t seem to envision an independent voice in Washington,” he challenged.
The current campaign mirrors the previous year’s dynamics, where Logan linked Hayes to President Biden and former House Speaker Pelosi, claiming she was disconnected from the inflation struggles faced by voters. The race has attracted substantial funding from outside groups, with national Republican interests viewing it as a potential avenue to disrupt the Democratic hold on Connecticut’s congressional representation.
Similar to the 2022 cycle, both national party committees have invested in advertising for this election, targeting local voters through statewide TV promotions. Despite Logan’s assertions of supporting abortion rights, Hayes has sought to portray him as untrustworthy on the issue. Notably, the debate added an unexpected element when a pro-Palestinian protester interrupted the proceedings, shouting “Free Palestine” before security escorted them off stage. This controversy, which was absent in last year’s discussions, indicates the shifting focus in political debates this election season.
