The Big Get: Jahana Hayes Endorses Eric Wellman in Simsbury Democratic Primary for Open House Seat.

What a difference four years can make. U.S. Representative Jahana Hayes will deliver a prized endorsement of Eric Wellman, the party-endorsed candidate in the Democratic primary in Simsbury for the 16th House District.

Wellman has enjoyed considerable success among Simsbury voters, winning two terms as First Selectman and his current one on the Board of Selectman. Wellman easily won his party’s endorsement in May for the seat being vacated by incumbent Democrat John Hampton.

After a string of defeats by state Senator Kevin Witkos (R-Canton), Democrat Melissa Osborne is challenging Wellman for the House nomination in the August 9th primary. It is a campaign notable for the incongruous. Osborne and other local Democrats condemned Hampton in the spring for opposing reproductive health and protection legislation enacted by the legislature. Osborne has nevertheless highlighted her endorsement by the retiring Democrat.

Hayes won two stunning victories in 2018. She won a landslide victory over Simsbury Democrat Mary Glassman in their primary contest for the 5th CD nomination. Simsbury was one of the few towns Hayes did not carry in the primary. Hayes went on to an easy win over the Republican nominee that November. Daily Ructions readers may recall that incumbent Democrat Elizabeth Esty abandoned her bid for a fourth term as revelations of Esty ignoring abuse her chief of staff was accused of inflicting on a subordinate.

An endorsement from the popular Hayes will be a further boost to Wellman, who is likely to benefit from his spot on the top line of the ballot alongside other party endorsed candidates, Stephanie Thomas and Erick Russell.

Published July 18, 2022.