Ned Lamont — Democratic Candidate for Governor in Connecticut, 2026

Ned Lamont criticized federal immigration forces, specifically ICE, in his 2026 State of the State address, advocating that federal agents should stay out of Connecticut. He stated that Connecticut’s police force is capable of maintaining safety, emphasizing state autonomy. Lamont also condemned the Trump administration's immigration policies, asserting they create a culture that allows agents to violate civil rights. He views Connecticut's diverse population as something to celebrate.

“Go home. We’re keeping CT safe without you.” - Gov. Ned Lamont, CT Mirror, February 4, 2026”

Governor Ned Lamont supports disbanding the Office of Health Strategy, aiming to protect patient care and healthcare jobs by transferring its operations. He proposes a revised hospital tax agreement and the development of a "Connecticut option," a state-designed, privately managed health insurance plan intended to save money for residents and the state. Lamont also applauded the bipartisan congressional vote to extend Affordable Care Act tax credits, emphasizing the need for federal action to reduce healthcare costs nationwide.

““We can and will finally move to universal, affordable health care here in the state of Connecticut,” Lamont said. “This plan will encourage state employees, retirees and small businesses to go to hospitals where you get the best value.” (Gov. Ned Lamont, Hartford Courant, February 5, 2026)”

Research pending more substantial sources.

Governor Ned Lamont has demonstrated a strong commitment to reproductive freedom and women's health care rights. He signed Public Act 22-19, a first-in-the-nation law protecting medical providers who offer abortion care to out-of-state patients, and expanding abortion-related lawsuit protections. He also supported Planned Parenthood and received an endorsement from Planned Parenthood Votes! Connecticut, asserting that reproductive rights will be protected in Connecticut.

“Now more than ever, it is important for state elected officials across our country to stand by the residents we represent and enact laws that protect their rights to make their own reproductive decisions. Politicians should not get between a patient and their doctor. As long as I am governor, reproductive rights will be protected in Connecticut, and I will do everything in my power to block laws from being passed to restrict those rights. Governor Ned Lamont, Connecticut”

Research pending more substantial sources.

Ned Lamont has proposed legislative actions for 2026, including budget recommendations for education, a measure to reduce testing burdens while enhancing math curriculum, and a requirement for school districts to ban cellular phones in classrooms. He also recommends free breakfast for K-12 students and has increased school funding by 22% since taking office, including an additional $94.5 million in ECS for FY 2027.

Ned Lamont signed House Bill 6667 in June 2023, legislation aimed at reducing gun violence, preventing mass shootings, and avoiding firearm accidents. He further proposed banning the sale of convertible pistols and handguns easily converted to automatic weapons (HB 5043). Lamont also advocates for a statewide ban on open carrying of guns, stricter penalties for large-capacity magazines, and increasing the firearm purchase age to 21, citing public safety alongside respect for gun ownership rights.

“Over the years, Connecticut has shown time and again that we can improve public safety by implementing reasonable gun violence prevention laws while also respecting the rights of Americans to own guns for their own protection and sportsmanship. This bill that I’ve signed continues that fair, commonsense balance.” — Governor Ned Lamont, Press Release, June 2023”