Jahana Hayes becomes Connecticut's first black woman elected to congress

<p>Democrat Jahana Hayes defeated Republican Manny Santos in the 5th Congressional District becoming Connecticut's first black woman to be elected to congress.</p>

News 12 Staff

Nov 7, 2018, 4:09 AM

Updated 1,989 days ago

Share:

Democrat Jahana Hayes defeated Republican Manny Santos in the 5th Congressional District becoming Connecticut's first black woman to be elected to congress.
Hayes and Santos went head-to-head Tuesday for the seat being vacated by Rep. Elizabeth Esty.
From growing up in a public housing unit in Waterbury to becoming pregnant as a teenager, Hayes was thrust into the spotlight when she was named National Teacher of the Year in 2016 by former President Barack Obama.
Hayes declared her win and gave her victory speech before the race between herself and former Meriden mayor Santos was called.
During her campaign, Hayes called herself the underdog and ran an anti-establishment campaign, aligning herself with her constituents rather than the establishment.
This year saw a record-breaking number of women elected across the nation, especially minority women. Two Native Americans and two Muslims will take seats in Congress for the first time.
The LGBT community also saw victories Tuesday. In Colorado, the nation's first openly gay governor was elected.
Hayes says she will not take being a woman and a minority representing the state in Washington, D.C. lightly.


More from News 12
1:25
Local author shines light on Monroe’s only unsolved murder case

Local author shines light on Monroe’s only unsolved murder case

2:11
Mostly cloudy skies, light showers and cold temperatures in Connecticut

Mostly cloudy skies, light showers and cold temperatures in Connecticut

0:20
Police: Teen shot in the head in Bridgeport last week dies from injuries

Police: Teen shot in the head in Bridgeport last week dies from injuries

3:30
Explore the classic old New England-feel in the town of Chester

Explore the classic old New England-feel in the town of Chester

2:15
Stamford HS senior receives full ride to college through golf caddie scholarship

Stamford HS senior receives full ride to college through golf caddie scholarship

0:24
Norwalk police: Miami man arrested for sexual assault after lengthy investigation

Norwalk police: Miami man arrested for sexual assault after lengthy investigation

0:51
Save money while helping the planet with these 12 energy-efficient tips

Save money while helping the planet with these 12 energy-efficient tips

0:29
Stamford police: driver involved in pedestrian crash in March faces negligent homicide charges

Stamford police: driver involved in pedestrian crash in March faces negligent homicide charges

2:33
Medical organizations push to correct racial disparities in algorithm that made Black people wait longer for kidneys

Medical organizations push to correct racial disparities in algorithm that made Black people wait longer for kidneys

2:11
Milford business owner loses house and dog in fire; effort to help underway

Milford business owner loses house and dog in fire; effort to help underway

0:21
Criminal prosecutors take over Bridgeport’s ballot fraud cases

Criminal prosecutors take over Bridgeport’s ballot fraud cases

2:13
Time running out for hundreds of bills at state Capitol

Time running out for hundreds of bills at state Capitol

1:51
Ceremony held in Greenwich to mark 1 year anniversary with Ukrainian sister city

Ceremony held in Greenwich to mark 1 year anniversary with Ukrainian sister city

0:27
Norwalk, Fairfield and Wilton fire crews assist Westport Fire Dept. in Hunt Club Lane house fire

Norwalk, Fairfield and Wilton fire crews assist Westport Fire Dept. in Hunt Club Lane house fire

0:20
Firefighter injured when truck crashes into Shelton condo

Firefighter injured when truck crashes into Shelton condo

2:24
Connecticut joins partnership to hold airlines accountable for consumer complaints

Connecticut joins partnership to hold airlines accountable for consumer complaints

0:32
Police: Ax-wielding man faces charges in Fairfield chase

Police: Ax-wielding man faces charges in Fairfield chase

0:22
Police: Stamford woman faces larceny charges for phony check in Westport

Police: Stamford woman faces larceny charges for phony check in Westport

2:07
FAFSA new application delay is affecting students across Connecticut

FAFSA new application delay is affecting students across Connecticut

0:30
Sikorsky plans to lay off employees following cancellation of U.S. Army program

Sikorsky plans to lay off employees following cancellation of U.S. Army program