Former Hartford mayor beats AIPAC-endorsed congressman, seeking 15th term, in Connecticut Dem primary

Former Hartford Mayor Luke Bronin defeated Rep. John Larson in Connecticut's Democratic primary for the latter's congressional seat, according to the Associated Press.

With approximately 87% of votes counted, Bronin received 26,363 votes (53.6%) compared to Larson's 16,400 (33.3%), while two other candidates collectively garnered about 13%.

Bronin, 46, centered his campaign on the incumbent's age, while Larson, 78, received backing from the American Israel Public Affairs Committee.

The Cook Political Report characterizes the district as safely Democratic.

"This is a political earthquake in Connecticut," Bronin told supporters. "But the goal, the goal is to shake things up in Washington, D.C., and we are just getting started."

Larson said he was "disappointed" With the results. "The people have spoken. They made their decision clear, and now is the time to come together," He stated.

During his tenure, Larson has strongly supported Israel, voting for continued military aid while some House Democrats opposed it. AIPAC raised approximately $130,000 for his campaign, according to Federal Election Commission records.

Bronin expressed support for Israel's Iron Dome system but opposed providing additional offensive weapons to Israel. He held the endorsement of the state Democratic Party and had outraised Larson through July 22, collecting $3.1 million to Larson's $2.7 million.

Larson received support from Connecticut's entire congressional delegation. Last year, he experienced a complex partial seizure during a House floor speech and subsequently began taking medication for the condition.