Connecticut’s Congressional delegation, all Democrats, celebrated their re-election victories Wednesday, but said it was bittersweet as they will now be battling against incoming Republican President Donald J. Trump.
U.S. Sen. Chris Murphy, who defeated Republican restaurant owner Matthew Corey to win this third term, said he is ready to head back to Washington, D.C. to make improvements for all Connecticut residents.
“I feel like I’m the luckiest guy in the world to do this job for another six years,” Murphy told reporters at the Capitol Lunch restaurant in New Britain. “I don’t take it for granted, and I’m not going to take it for granted. … The entire House delegation will be back.”
But Murphy and other lawmakers had mixed feelings due to the results on the national level.
“Obviously, my victory last night is bittersweet to an extent because we lost a lot of good colleagues in the Senate and Donald Trump seems poised to return to the White House, which is really bad news for Connecticut,” Murphy said.
Like he did during Trump’s initial four years in office, Murphy said he would battle against Trump on three key areas, plus others.
“People in this state do not support abortion restrictions,” Murphy said. “People in this state don’t want another round of tax cuts for millionaires. The people of this state don’t want to see our nation’s gun laws loosened. So, just as I did in his first term, it is likely that I will end up helping to lead the fight against the policies that he supports that will hurt Connecticut. That is the mandate I will have from the people of Connecticut who did not come out yesterday and support Donald Trump. But, as always, if there’s opportunities to reach across the aisle, I’ll do it. I’m proud of the fact that in my last term I probably had more bipartisan successes than any other member of the Senate, at least those that are coming back to the Senate.”
In Waterbury, U.S. Rep. Jahana Hayes returned to her downtown headquarters following her victory over Republican challenger George Logan. By unofficial numbers, Hayes won by about 25,000 votes or about seven to nine percentage points, a huge difference from the 2022 race, where Hayes won by less than one percentage point in a nail-biter.
Boosted by national money and turnout for the presidential election, Hayes became the first candidate in 54 years to win four terms in the 5th District.
Heading back to Washington for a lame-duck session and then a new session in 2025, Hayes said she anticipates a challenge.
“Obviously, it’s a little bittersweet,” Hayes said. “I congratulate President-elect Trump on his victory and expect that we’ll have to do some really hard work – but I’m up for the work. I asked the people for this job.”
Noting that she and Trump differ on issues like abortion, Hayes said she is looking ahead to pass bills in 2025.
“I’ve served in a Trump presidency and a Biden presidency,” Hayes said when asked Wednesday by The Courant. “I’ve had legislation signed into law under President Trump and President Biden. I have worked with a majority in the House and a minority in the House and been able to get things done. You pick and choose your battles. You get in where you fit in. … You do the best you can and live to fight another day. Today, like I said, is bittersweet. I’m heartbroken by the outcome, but I asked for this job, and I have work to do.”
U.S. Sen. Richard Blumenthal was pleased with the wins by the entire delegation, but is also looking ahead.
“Obviously, we congratulate all the winners in the state races as well, and there is a lot to be happy about in Connecticut today,” Blumenthal said Wednesday. “But there’s no sugarcoating results. I’m deeply disappointed and let me just be absolutely clear. … I intend to do what I’ve always done, which is to fight for the people of Connecticut and hold accountable anyone who abuses their power. Anyone who does harm to the people I represent, I’ll continue to work across the aisle whenever possible on issues where we should have common ground, particularly to make the economy work better for everyone.”
In Washington, Blumenthal will no longer be in the Senate majority due to Republican gains in the chamber in Montana and Ohio, among others.
“I’m especially regretful about the losses of two colleagues, Jon Tester and Sherrod Brown,” Blumenthal said. “I don’t know whether any of you saw last night’s concession speech from Sherrod, but I was moved by it and I agree with him that whatever happened in this election, we will continue to believe in the dignity of work, the importance of fighting for everyday Americans over special interest, standing up to corporate giants when they endanger people’s rights, and making sure that we continue to fight for the people who make America work, which are everyday Americans, working people and family.”
U.S. Rep. Joe Courtney defeated Republican Mike France in a rematch of their race two years ago.
“There is a lot of work to do in Washington right away: maintaining a strong job market, lowering the cost of living, particularly housing, health care, and child day care, all of which I am determined to get real results,” Courtney said. “Most importantly, I have heard loud and clear the desire from all corners to restore civility and stability, not only in the halls of Congress, but in our nation’s public arena and discourse, which is essential to unify our great nation. To all voters, including those who did not vote for me, I promise I will continue working every day to advance the common good.”
Unlike the riot at the U.S. Capitol on January 6, 2021 that led to more than 1,200 arrests for federal crimes, Democrats said they would move forward with a peaceful transfer of power.
“The American people have cast their votes, and after the dedicated work of patriotic election officials in Connecticut and across the country, the results confirm that Donald Trump prevailed and will serve as the next president of the United States,” Courtney said. “Now we as a nation must respect the will of the voters and facilitate a peaceful transfer of power, which is foundational to a healthy democracy.”
Courant staff writer Alison Cross contributed to this report.
Christopher Keating can be reached at ckeating@courant.com
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