Connecticut Rep. John Larson has served in the U.S. House since before the turn of the 21st century.
A lengthy career in a reliably blue district like this would normally suggest a fairly safe primary. But not this year, when a growing anti-incumbent fervor seems to be gripping the country, dealing blows to Democratic House members and Republican senators alike.
So far in 2026, seven Democrats and three Republicans in the House and two Republicans in the Senate have fallen, for a total of 12 defeated incumbents. The latest to lose is Larson, who turned 78 years old last month, only to be defeated by a challenger decades younger.
This is by no means the first cycle where incumbents have had a rough time facing their own political bases. What this year has shown, however, is a willingness to toss out what’s known and embrace what feels new.
This is a preview of an article by Hunter Woodall. Read the full column here.
