A celebrated teacher has defeated the party-endorsed candidate in the Democratic primary for a Connecticut U.S. House seat being vacated by Rep. Elizabeth Esty, who acknowledged mishandling sexual harassment complaints in her Washington, D.C., office.
In Tuesday's primary, 2016 National Teacher of the Year Jahana Hayes bested former Simsbury First Selectman Mary Glassman. If elected in November, Hayes would become the first black woman elected to Congress from Connecticut.
The 45-year-old educator from Wolcott has attracted significant out-of-state political contributions and endorsements from unions and liberal organizations. She says there's an "appetite for change" among voters.
Former Meriden Mayor Manny Santos won the GOP nod Tuesday for the House seat and will take on Hayes in November. Santos defeated businessman Rich DuPont and former college professor Ruby Corby O’Neill.
Esty abruptly announced in April she would not seek a fourth term. She apologized for not protecting her employees.
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