The 2016 Teacher of the Year, Jahana Hayes, is running for Congress in Connecticut. A safely blue seat,
she is expected to win and prioritize public education.
Background and Achievements
Jahana is a lifelong resident of Connecticut and serves as the Talent and Professional Development
Supervisor for Waterbury Public Schools. Throughout her childhood, Jahana faced various hardships, but
never let this stop her. While supporting her family, Jahana completed both undergraduate and graduate
school. Jahana knows why education is important, and there is no better person than the former teacher of
a year to help the United States public education system.
Positions on Key Issues
- Strong supporter of public education
- Strong supporter of gun control and a federal assault weapons ban
- Supporter of single-payer healthcare
- Supporter of women’s rights
Prospects & Opponents
Following Congresswoman Etsy’s retirement, Jahana decided to run for her open seat. The district is
solidly Democratic and she is expected to win this coming November.
Endorsements
- Feminist Majority
- EMILY’s List
- End Citizens United
- NARAL
- National Education Association
- The Sierra Club
- Various unions