Who is Ned Lamont and what is Lamont running on in the 2026 Connecticut Governor race?
Ned Lamont (D) is the heavy favorite in the 2026 Connecticut Governor race, with about a 95% chance of winning, according to Kalshi on Sept 9.
Answer from Mary's digital twin. Checkmark turns Green once she confirms it.
Ned Lamont is the Democratic candidate for Connecticut governor, and the incumbent. Governor of Connecticut since 2019; businessman; beat progressive Rep. Josh Elliott for the Democratic nomination (led him 57 to 22 in July polling). Election Day is Tuesday, November 3, 2026.
The race
Chance of winning: Kalshi, Sept 9
- The seat: Incumbent Democrat Ned Lamont seeking a third term.
- Rating: Safe/Solid D (characterized as a safe hold).
- Polling: Lamont 49.7, Fazio 29.5 (Sacred Heart University/WFSB/CT Insider, July 21 to 26, 2026, 1,000 RV).
Why Lamont is ahead
- A roughly 20-point lead in the July Sacred Heart poll, with Lamont’s job approval at 50.6%.
- Connecticut has not elected a Republican governor since Jodi Rell in 2010.
- Lamont runs on fiscal stability (eight balanced budgets in a row) and holds a ~$9.9M fundraising edge.
- Fazio’s opening is cost of living: 29.4% name it the top issue and 41.9% say the economy has worsened, but he still trails badly.
What Lamont is running on
- Fiscal policy. Touts eight consecutive balanced budgets and contrasts them with the deficits he says Republicans left behind.
- Cost of living. His ads focus on the issues voters rank highest: cost of living, taxes and energy costs.
In Lamont’s own words
“we have passed eight balanced budgets in a row.”
The other candidates
Every race
See every Senate and governor race on the ballot, with each candidate’s chance of winning: the 2026 midterms at a glance.
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