The Waterbury Times| Congressional Watch | Published June 9, 2026

Republican challenger says affordability, energy costs, veterans’ services and accountability will drive his 2026 campaign.

Waterbury— A Coast Guard veteran, former law enforcement officer, and Milford father of two is seeking to unseat one of Connecticut’s longest-serving members of Congress.

Christopher Lancia officially announced his campaign for Connecticut’s 3rd Congressional District on June 8, launching a Republican challenge against incumbent U.S. Rep. Rosa DeLauro, who has held the seat since 1991.

A native of Bridgeport, Lancia said his campaign will focus on issues affecting Connecticut families, including the rising cost of living, energy prices, veterans’ services, and protecting Social Security.

“We need affordability, we need better energy prices, we need to take care of our Social Security, and we need to take care of our veterans,” Lancia said during a recent appearance on WTIC’s Reese on the Radio.

Among his policy priorities, Lancia has pointed to Connecticut’s high energy costs as a burden on working families. He has also called for expanded dental coverage for veterans, arguing that many former service members are unable to access needed care under current eligibility rules.

The Republican candidate has additionally voiced support for congressional term limits, framing the proposal as part of a broader effort to increase accountability in Washington.

Lancia enters the race with the endorsement of the Connecticut Republican Party and hopes to build momentum against a well-established incumbent. DeLauro, a Democrat, was first elected to Congress in 1990 and has represented Connecticut’s 3rd District for more than three decades. No Republican has won the seat since 1980.

The Republican primary is scheduled for Aug. 11, 2026, with the general election set for Nov. 3, 2026.

As the campaign season ramps up, voters can expect debates over affordability, energy policy, federal spending, and veterans’ issues to play a central role in the race.

For more information about Lancia’s campaign, visit LanciaForCongress2026.org.

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What the 3rd Congressional District Means for Waterbury

While much of the attention in the race will focus on New Haven and the shoreline communities that make up a large portion of Connecticut’s 3rd Congressional District, part of Waterbury is also represented in the district.

Connecticut’s congressional boundaries divide Waterbury between two congressional districts. Residents in portions of the city vote in the 3rd District, while other neighborhoods are represented in the 5th District.

As a result, the outcome of the race between incumbent Rosa DeLauro and challenger Christopher Lancia could directly impact thousands of Waterbury residents. Issues such as federal funding, transportation, infrastructure improvements, veterans’ services, healthcare, Social Security, and energy costs are among the concerns that affect voters across the city regardless of district lines.

With Waterbury continuing to seek federal support for economic development, neighborhood revitalization, public safety initiatives, and environmental projects, representation in Congress remains an important issue for local residents heading into the 2026 election cycle.

Editor’s Note: Waterbury voters can verify their congressional district through the Connecticut Secretary of the State’s voter information system before the Aug. 11 primary and Nov. 3 general election.

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