Connecticut News Roundup: Lamont Wins Primary, Bronin Ousts Larson and More

Published Aug 16, 2026 · Community · Red Rock Daily staff

Here’s a roundup of recent Connecticut news: Gov. Ned Lamont won Tuesday’s Democratic gubernatorial primary, earning his party’s nod for a third term; former Hartford Mayor Luke Bronin ousted 14-term U.S. Rep. John Larson in a closely watched congressional primary; the state eliminated sales taxes on school supplies and expanded this year’s sales tax-free week; bear break-ins are on the rise as Warren residents raise concerns; and former Lt. Gov. Nancy Wyman died, with flags ordered lowered to half-staff.

Lamont rolls to Democratic gubernatorial primary victory

Gov. Ned Lamont won Connecticut’s Democratic gubernatorial primary on Tuesday, earning the party’s nomination for a third term, according to projections by AP, ABC News and other outlets. (The New York Times, WTNH, AP, Aug. 11-12, 2026) Lamont, first elected governor in 2018 and reelected in 2022, rolled to victory in the primary as he seeks another four years in office this November. The Democratic primary was one of several closely watched races on Connecticut’s Aug. 11 primary ballot.

Luke Bronin ousts 14-term U.S. Rep. John Larson

Former Hartford Mayor Luke Bronin defeated longtime U.S. Rep. John Larson in the Democratic primary for Connecticut’s 1st Congressional District, CBS News projected, ending Larson’s 14-term run in Congress. (AP, CBS News, Roll Call, Aug. 12, 2026) Larson, who first won the seat in 1998, fell to the younger challenger in one of the state’s most closely watched primary races of the cycle. Bronin served as mayor of Hartford from 2016 to 2024.

Sales taxes eliminated on school supplies as tax-free week expands

Gov. Lamont announced that sales taxes have been eliminated on school supplies in Connecticut, and that this year’s sales tax-free week is expanding. (CT.gov, Aug. 12, 2026) The announcement from the governor’s office says the tax change is aimed at easing back-to-school costs for Connecticut families. The state’s annual sales tax-free week, typically held in August ahead of the school year, will be larger this year under the expansion.

Bear break-ins on the rise as Warren residents raise concerns

Bear break-ins are on the rise in Connecticut, and residents of the town of Warren are raising concerns about the increase in bear activity. (NBC Connecticut, Aug. 13, 2026) The uptick in incidents has drawn attention in the Litchfield County community as wildlife officials urge residents to secure food sources and trash. Connecticut’s bear population has expanded in recent years, leading to more frequent human-wildlife encounters across the state.

Former Lt. Gov. Nancy Wyman dies; flags lowered to half-staff

Former Connecticut Lt. Gov. Nancy Wyman has died, and Gov. Lamont ordered flags lowered to half-staff in her honor. (NBC Connecticut, WTNH, Aug. 12, 2026) Wyman served as Connecticut’s lieutenant governor from 2011 to 2019 alongside Gov. Dannel Malloy, and previously served as state comptroller. She was widely regarded as a trailblazer for women in Connecticut politics.

For more on the Constitution State, see the Connecticut guide.