Larson’s office says he is fit to seek another term
Connecticut Democrats are deciding whether to continue with U.S. Rep. John Larson, 78, or select a far younger replacement in the 1st Congressional District. The district includes Hartford and central Connecticut, and Larson has represented it since 1999.
Larson largely avoided serious Democratic opposition during his time in Congress, according to the Associated Press. He now faces concerns about his health and age after he abruptly stopped speaking during a speech on the House floor last year.
Larson’s office has said he suffered a complex partial seizure. The office maintains that he is fit to seek a 15th term and is taking medication to help control the condition.
The contest will determine who becomes the Democratic nominee for the district. The Associated Press reported that Democrats are expected to hold the seat in November.
That expectation makes the nomination fight less central to the Democratic effort to take back control of the House. The contest nevertheless reflects younger Democrats’ growing willingness to challenge some of the party’s established figures in Washington, according to the Associated Press.