Blumenthal confirms plan to run for Senate again in 2028
The 80-year-old Connecticut senator said he feels energized for another term, citing a focus on housing costs and healthcare.
By Elijah Fitzgerald ·
U.S. Sen. Richard Blumenthal confirmed on Wednesday that he intends to seek reelection in 2028. The three-term Democrat spoke during a post-election news conference outside the state Capitol in Hartford. He appeared alongside Governor Ned Lamont and other Democratic leaders following Tuesday's national elections.
Blumenthal is 80 years old and has served in public office since 1984. He first won a seat in the state House of Representatives that year. He later served as state attorney general from 1991 to 2011. He was first elected to the U.S. Senate in 2010.
The senator won his most recent term in 2022. He defeated Republican challenger Leora Levy by a margin of 57.5 percent to 42.5 percent. This result was similar to his 2010 victory over Linda McMahon, a former wrestling executive. In that race, Blumenthal won despite being outspent 7-to-1.
Blumenthal previously held the record for the most votes in a Connecticut statewide election. He received 1,008,714 votes in 2016, which represented 63.2 percent of the total. Then-Vice President Joe Biden surpassed that total in 2020 with 1,080,831 votes.
A Quinnipiac University poll released last month showed that 50 percent of voters approve of Blumenthal's job performance. Forty percent disapproved. His approval rating stood at 80 percent among Democrats and 45 percent among unaffiliated voters. Republicans showed a 78 percent disapproval rating.
Blumenthal said he plans to make a formal announcement by the end of this month or next month. He noted that he feels more excited and energized than ever to work for the people of Connecticut. He stated that he looks forward to being on the ballot in 2028 and serving beyond that date.
The senator said he believes the all-Democratic congressional delegation will be more effective now that Democrats hold control of Congress. He said he and his colleagues are focused on the costs of living for Americans. He specifically cited healthcare, student debt, rent, and mortgage expenses due to housing scarcity. He added that the delegation must hold President Donald Trump accountable while delivering results.
