3 Democrats Battle for New Haven's 92nd District, 2 Clear CEP Threshold

Two Challengers Clear Public Financing Threshold in New Haven's 92nd District Race

Two Democratic challengers for New Haven's 92nd House District have cleared the fundraising threshold required to receive public campaign financing, setting up a three-way primary against 21-term incumbent Rep. Pat Dillon.

Justin Farmer, 31, a former Hamden Town Council member, announced on March 12, 2026, that he had raised $7,590 from 238 donors — an average of $31.89 per contribution — with 161 of those donors being New Haven residents. Eli Sabin, 26, a former New Haven alder for the Downtown/East Rock district, confirmed he had raised over $6,800 from more than 190 New Haven donors. Both figures meet the Connecticut Citizens' Election Program requirements.

Incumbent Rep. Pat Dillon, 77, who has represented the 92nd District for 21 terms, stated she is gathering qualifying contributions while fulfilling her duties in the ongoing legislative session in Hartford.

Connecticut's Citizens' Election Program

The Citizens' Election Program is Connecticut's public campaign financing system, administered by the State Elections Enforcement Commission. To qualify for a primary grant in the 92nd District, candidates must raise at least $6,700 in contributions ranging from $5 to $340, with at least 150 contributions from district residents.

Because the 92nd District is classified as a party-dominant district — Democrats outnumber Republicans by more than 20 percent — qualifying candidates are eligible to receive $38,575 in public funds for the primary election. The program is designed to reduce candidates' dependence on large donors and allow candidates without deep party networks to compete.

"It allows normal people to actually have a shot running for office," Farmer said of the program, according to the New Haven Independent.

The State Elections Enforcement Commission will review initial public-financing applications on May 28, 2026.

The 92nd District and the Candidates

The 92nd District encompasses the Westville, West River, and Edgewood neighborhoods and parts of the Hill section of New Haven. It has been represented by Dillon since the 1980s, making her one of the longest-serving members of the Connecticut General Assembly.

The race has taken shape as a generational contest. Dillon, 77, is running on her legislative record and long tenure. Both Farmer and Sabin, who are in their 20s and 30s, have framed their campaigns as efforts to bring new energy and community-focused advocacy to the seat.

Farmer's campaign has assembled approximately 100 volunteers. On March 12, a $340 donation — the maximum individual contribution — came to the campaign following a one-hour conversation Farmer had with the donor, according to his campaign announcement. Farmer previously served on the Hamden Legislative Council.

Sabin's campaign walked the Hill neighborhood on March 12, speaking with residents about property blight and cleanup priorities. Sabin previously served as a New Haven alder representing the Downtown/East Rock ward before stepping down to mount this challenge.

Dillon's supporters hosted a Westville fundraiser on March 12, emphasizing her legislative accomplishments and the value of experience on the House floor. Dillon noted she has participated in the CEP in all of her past campaigns for state office.

Campaign Issues and Primary Timeline

Residents across the 92nd District have raised affordable housing, school funding, and property blight as priorities in candidate conversations, according to reporting by the New Haven Independent. All three candidates have connected their campaigns to those local concerns, though with different emphases.

The primary election is scheduled for the fall 2026 cycle. Connecticut holds state legislative primaries for party-dominant seats in August. The May 28 SEEC decision will confirm CEP certification for candidates who have submitted qualifying documentation. Candidates who qualify and appear on the primary ballot will receive their public-financing grants after certification.

No Republican candidate has announced for the 92nd District seat as of publication.

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