2026 Midterms · U.S. House · Connecticut Safe
Connecticut — 3rd District
Democratic
Rosa L. DeLauro
Incumbent
Republican
Christopher Lancia
In Connecticut's 3rd Congressional District, 18-term incumbent Democrat Rosa L. DeLauro faces Republican challenger Christopher Lancia in the 2026 general election after both party primaries were canceled. The matchup hinges on whether DeLauro's extensive legislative tenure and focus on middle-class programs will withstand Lancia's campaign centered on inflation, border security, term limits, and culture-war issues. Major nonpartisan handicappers, including The Cook Political Report, Inside Elections, Sabato's Crystal Ball, and DDHQ/The Hill, rate the race as Solid Democratic or Safe Democratic.
Cost of living
high salienceDeLauro supports federal investments and targeted middle-class relief, while Lancia advocates for spending cuts, lower taxes, and balanced budgets to halt inflation.
Rosa L. DeLauro
Supports middle-class investments and tax relief
DeLauro prioritizes reducing living costs by investing in infrastructure, clean energy jobs, and social safety nets for working families. She actively opposes Republican budget measures and tax proposals, arguing they benefit billionaires while driving up consumer costs.
- Voted against the 2025 reconciliation bill (H.R. 1) and the Limit, Save, Grow Act of 2023.
- Voted in favor of the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 and the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021.
- Criticizes Republican economic proposals for catering to wealthy donors at the expense of middle-class households.
“Republicans are running on catering to billionaires, starting endless wars, and driving up prices.”
“He’s making his billionaire friends even richer at your expense, using YOUR tax dollars for a golden ballroom...”
Christopher Lancia
Supports lower taxes and spending cuts
Lancia pledges to curb inflation by reducing federal spending, lowering taxes, and balancing the budget. He contends that Washington must exercise the same fiscal discipline that middle-class families practice daily.
- Advocates for federal tax cuts and a balanced budget requirement.
- Calls for an immediate halt to reckless federal spending to combat inflation.
- Promises to protect middle-class family budgets from government overreach.
“In Congress, I’ll fight for lower taxes, a balanced budget, and an end to the reckless spending that’s driving up inflation and draining your wallets.”
“Protect Middle-Class Families Fight inflation, lower taxes, and hold Washington accountable for reckless spending. Families are tightening their belts—Congress should, too.”
Border security
high salienceLancia demands strict border enforcement to protect national sovereignty, whereas DeLauro consistently votes against restrictive Republican border enforcement measures.
Rosa L. DeLauro
Opposes restrictive border enforcement bills
DeLauro consistently votes against Republican border security and mandatory detention legislation. She advocates for broader immigration policies while opposing measures that streamline deportations or increase enforcement restrictions.
- Voted Nay on the Secure the Border Act of 2023 (H.R. 2) and the Laken Riley Act (S. 5).
- Voted against H.R. 875 making driving while impaired grounds for deportation.
- Voted against impeaching Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas.
Christopher Lancia
Supports strict border enforcement and control
Lancia views border control as a vital component of national security and national sovereignty. He supports ending chaos at the southern border to prevent crime and illicit drugs from entering local communities.
- Pledges to secure the U.S. border to halt drug trafficking and crime.
- Frames border security as an essential element of national sovereignty.
- Promises to support law enforcement in keeping local communities safe from illegal entry impacts.
“I’m running because I believe that border security is national security. A nation without borders cannot remain sovereign.”
“We must control our borders to stop the flow of drugs and crime into our towns. Public safety starts with common sense.”
Gender and cultural issues
high salienceLancia opposes biological males in female athletics and locker rooms, while DeLauro voted against federal restrictions on transgender participation in women's sports.
Rosa L. DeLauro
Opposes restrictions on transgender athletes
DeLauro opposes federal mandates restricting transgender inclusion in athletics and education. She emphasizes inclusive policies and strong funding support for public schools.
- Voted Nay on the Protection of Women and Girls in Sports Act of 2025 (H.R. 28).
- Earned the American Federation of Teachers Lifetime Achievement Award.
- Supports federal funding and resources for public education.
Christopher Lancia
Opposes transgender participation in female sports
Lancia strongly opposes allowing biological males in women's athletic competitions and female locker rooms, citing these policies as a primary reason for his congressional run. He champions parental rights in education over government mandates.
- Opposes biological males competing in women's sports and accessing girls' locker rooms.
- Advocates for parental rights in school curricula and values.
- Opposes government mandates, including vaccine requirements for employment.
“His decision to run was not made lightly, but came after witnessing policies that deeply troubled him: biological men in women’s sports, tampons in boys’ restrooms, and Americans being forced to choose between a vaccine or their livelihood.”
“As a parent, I don’t need a degree to know that boys don’t belong in girls’ locker rooms, and that biological men should not compete in women’s sports.”
Foreign policy
medium salienceLancia champions an 'America First' policy limiting aid to entities like Ukraine, while DeLauro supports international involvement paired with strict human rights compliance standards.
Rosa L. DeLauro
Supports conditional international aid oversight
DeLauro supports active foreign engagement coupled with strict oversight on U.S. defense aid. She has voiced strong criticism of Israel's current administration while securing statutory requirements that U.S. weapons comply with international standards.
- Secured an amendment in the 2027 Defense funding bill requiring U.S. weapons and equipment compliance.
- Criticized the Netanyahu government's approach to international law and peace.
- Voted Yea on the National Defense Authorization Act FY2024 and the Antisemitism Awareness Act.
“In the 2027 Defense funding bill, she secured an amendment that would ensure U.S. weapons and equipment are...”
“It is abundantly clear now that the Netanyahu government has no interest in either.”
Christopher Lancia
Supports an America First foreign policy
Lancia endorses an 'America First' foreign policy framework, arguing domestic needs must take priority over foreign aid to countries like Ukraine or international bodies like the UN.
- Opposes prioritizing international spending over domestic American needs.
- Aligns with Donald Trump's 'America First' platform.
- Calls for centering American workers and security before foreign aid.
“I believe in putting America First—not China, not Ukraine, not the United Nations. Our policies, priorities, and promises must begin at home, with the American people at the center, every single time.”
“Chris Lancia is running to give the people of Connecticut a voice—and to help President Donald Trump finish what he started: putting America First.”
Government reform
medium salienceLancia advocates for congressional term limits and curbing government weaponization, while DeLauro focuses on government transparency and opposes GOP voter ID mandates.
Rosa L. DeLauro
Supports transparency and opposes GOP voting restrictions
DeLauro supports federal transparency and accountability measures while opposing Republican proposals to alter voting verification rules or restrict federal judicial authority.
- Voted Yea on the Epstein Files Transparency Act and the expulsion of Rep. George Santos.
- Voted Nay on the SAVE Act requiring documentary proof of citizenship for voter registration.
- Voted Nay on the No Rogue Rulings Act limiting federal court injunctions.
Christopher Lancia
Supports term limits and anti-corruption reform
Lancia promises to combat career politics in Washington by enacting congressional term limits and eliminating federal corruption, censorship, and political double standards.
- Pushes for congressional term limits to end lifelong political careers.
- Calls for rooting out government corruption and political censorship.
- Demands equal justice under the law without political targeting.
“End Career Politics Push for term limits and restore accountability in government. Public service should be a duty, not a lifelong entitlement.”
“In Congress, I’ll fight for real reform in Washington. That means enacting term limits, rooting out corruption, and ending the weaponization of our government.”
Gun policy and public safety
medium salienceLancia opposes new gun control laws and protects firearm rights, whereas DeLauro identifies gun violence prevention as a core issue on her platform.
Rosa L. DeLauro
Supports gun violence prevention measures
DeLauro identifies gun violence prevention as a core priority on her platform and supports federal gun safety laws alongside community public safety initiatives.
- Lists Gun Violence Prevention as a core platform issue on her campaign website.
- Supports federal gun safety regulations and community safety grants.
Christopher Lancia
Supports Second Amendment rights and law enforcement
Lancia strongly defends Second Amendment rights and law enforcement officers, contending that restoring public safety requires rigorous enforcement of criminal laws.
- Pledges unwavering support for Second Amendment firearm rights.
- Supports law enforcement to ensure criminals fear breaking the law.
“I will always stand up for the Second Amendment, support our law enforcement, and restore accountability so that criminals fear breaking the law—not citizens fearing injustice.”
Healthcare and seniors
medium salienceRosa L. DeLauro
Supports expanding healthcare access and Social Security
DeLauro is a longtime advocate of the Affordable Care Act and strengthening senior safety nets. She actively supports legislation protecting Social Security benefits for public workers.
- Voted Yea on the Social Security Fairness Act of 2023 to reduce benefit penalties for public retirees.
- Lists Health Care and Seniors as primary issues on her platform.
- Advocates for affordable healthcare through the ACA and public health funding.
Climate and energy
low salienceRosa L. DeLauro
Supports green energy and climate action
DeLauro considers combating climate change a key priority, supporting investments in clean energy technology and natural resource protection. She earned the endorsement of Sierra Club Connecticut.
- Endorsed by Sierra Club Connecticut for the 2026 election cycle.
- Voted Nay on the Lower Energy Costs Act (H.R. 1).
- Lists Climate Crisis as a dedicated platform priority.