President-elect Donald Trump’s victory is sending political shockwaves through reliably blue Connecticut.

Republicans believe the win could bolster their chances in 2026 – and potentially shift the party closer to Trump’s MAGA movement. Meantime, top Democrats promised a firewall to protect reproductive rights and LGBTQ+ protections.

Trump’s historic political comeback has Connecticut Republicans feeling bullish.

“It’s a great day in America,” said state party chairman Ben Proto.

Proto is encouraged by the numbers he saw. In Connecticut, Trump cut his loss margin by nearly half – from a 20-point defeat in 2020 to a 12-point loss this year. The same pattern repeated across the Northeast.

“It gives us the opportunity to rebuild the foundation, as we go into 2026 and 2028, to put us into position to be far more competitive than we’ve ever been,” Proto said. “And really digging into those numbers and look at who were the folks that were voting against him in ‘16 and ‘20 and said, ‘Not anymore, I want to come over here.’”

The reaction from Democrats was much different. Despite winning all six congressional races and widening their lead in the General Assembly, the mood was somber at a post-election news conference on Wednesday.

“I think the election yesterday was a real wake-up call for the Democrats,” said Gov. Ned Lamont. “It was overwhelming.”

Democrats promised to fight any attempt to pass a national abortion ban or limit LGBTQ+ protections.

“We are going to be as strong as ever in protecting the fundamental rights of all people, including women,” said Attorney General William Tong. “A federal ban on abortion, we would fight that tooth and nail – not just through Sen. Blumenthal but in the courts.”

But it’s not just the White House; Republicans also took control of the U.S. Senate and control of the House of Representatives remains undecided. Sen. Richard Blumenthal pledged to work with the GOP where he can.

“I intend to do what I’ve always done, which is to fight for the people of Connecticut and hold accountable anyone who abuses their power,” said Blumenthal.

Trump’s election could also force Connecticut Republicans to the right. Most candidates distanced themselves from the controversial former president.

Blumenthal’s 2022 opponent, Leora Levy, believes that was a mistake and thinks the party needs new leadership.

“[Proto] did not run with President Trump. He wouldn’t even use the words ‘President Trump’ until the very end,” Levy said. “He ran against Biden. He ran against Harris. But he didn’t run a campaign to elect President Trump. We lost our opportunity in the Fifth Congressional District. That’s unforgivable.”

Trump endorsed Levy in her Senate run, helping her clinch the Republican nomination. In 2019, he nominated Levy to be ambassador to Chile, but the Senate never took a vote. So far, Levy said Trump has not approached her about a role in his new administration.