Survey: Would you vote for John Larson in a 2026 Democratic primary? Or Jack Perry?

Some prime Democratic voters received text messages Saturday inviting them to participate in a First Congressional District survey for the 2026 election. Respondents were reminded of incumbent Democrat John Larson’s 42 years in elected office—as a shove to get out of the way rather than a tribute to longevity.

The questions included a list of Larson and 10 Hartford area Democrats as possible choices next year. That sprawling questions was followed by a more revealing one: What if there were only three candidates, Larson, Jillian Gilchrest, and Jack Perry? Gilchrest is the West Hartford Democrat serving in the House of Representatives who activists and observers expect to mount a campaign for higher office when an opportunity arises.

Who is Jack Perry and why did he make it into the second round with only Larson and Gilchrest? Perry is a member of Southington’s town council. He is also a small businessman and a member of a prominent member of the entrepreneurial Perry family.

The 2024 election of loathsome demagogue Donald Trump and a quisling-infested Republican congress has caused alarm among sentient Americans. Democrats have grown particularly agitated at their leaders’ inability to thwart Republican unity in the service of damaging the United States and its democratic allies.

Perry, who sold his dumpster and hauling business last year, told Daily Ructions Saturday that he has been contacted by and is talking to Democrats about their shared fury and frustrations. The Southington Democrat said he was not familiar with the survey but sounded like someone itching to make the leap to a higher office. Perry mentioned Larson’s recent medical incident on the floor of the House as one more reason to look upward on the greasy pole of political ambition.

UPDATE: Democratic campaign consultant Cole Haymond has worked on Jack Perry town council campaigns. Some Daily Ructions assumed from this post that Haymond would sign on to a Perry bid for the Democratic nomination for the 1st CD. He will not. Haymond performs work with the state party and contractors who muck about in challenges to Democratic incumbents soon find themselves in the chilly wilderness. Haymond has a hands-off policy on any Perry gambit against Larson.

Published March 29, 2025. Updated March 30, 2025.