Connecticut congressman facing a rare challenge from the left

Tagging him as a “corporate Democrat,” two political newcomers have launched 2022 primary challenges against U.S. Rep. John B. Larson, slapping him with his first primary opponents since Larson first ran for the 1st District seat in 1998.

Seeking the support of political action committees that back progressive primary challengers, Democrats Muad Hrezi, 26, and Andrew Legnani, 32, are preparing campaigns that will target Larson, 72, for not supporting the health care policy Medicare for All, among other issues.

Hardly known as a centrist in the House Democratic caucus, Larson is a co-sponsor of the Green New Deal, the climate change proposal championed by progressive firebrand Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, D-N.Y. But Hrezi and Legnani said they’re running for office because they doubt that Larson would vote for the bill on the floor or defend it.

They hope to launch insurgent campaigns to topple Larson — like that of Ocasio-Cortez, who defeated ten-term Rep. Joseph Crowley, D-N.Y., in 2018 or Rep. Cori Bush, D-Mo., who unseated ten-term Rep. William Lacy Clay in 2020.

Read more: https://www.ctinsider.com/news/nhregister/article/CT-congressman-facing-a-rare-challenge-from-the-15941813.php