Abortion Rights Win in Connecticut as Voters Made a Clear Choice for Reproductive Freedom Champions

NEW HAVEN, CT — In one of the most consequential elections for reproductive rights, Connecticut voters turned out to elect leaders who will fiercely fight to protect the right and access to abortion. While the votes are still being counted in some state races with Planned Parenthood Votes! Connecticut (PPV!CT) endorsed candidates, reproductive freedom champions scored victories that are essential to protect abortion access. At least 81 of the 117 Planned Parenthood Votes! Connecticut-endorsed candidates for state office have won their elections: six for constitutional offices, 19 for State Senate, and 56 for State House of Representatives. These victories mean that in Connecticut, abortion access will continue to be protected and expanded.  

“Yesterday’s results are a win for abortion rights and Connecticut voters have made it clear that politicians have no place in personal medical decisions,” said Gretchen Raffa, Vice-President of Public Policy, Advocacy, and Organizing for Planned Parenthood Votes! Connecticut. “We are the majority. When abortion is on the ballot, reproductive freedom wins. As we celebrate this victory across the state, we know there is more work ahead. With our coalition partners and elected champions, we will continue to defend reproductive rights and ensure equitable access to sexual and reproductive health care for all people in Connecticut who rely on Planned Parenthood,” Raffa continued. 

The dynamics of this election changed after the Supreme Court eliminated the federal right to abortion. It ignited a wave of anger and energy that led to higher voter registration, higher turnout, and victories across the board.  

These wins are critical since the U.S. Supreme Court eliminated the federal right to abortion. Elected officials in Connecticut understood the urgency of this moment during the 2022 legislative session when they passed the most significant abortion rights legislation in a generation – the Reproductive Freedom Defense Act (Public Act 22-19).  While anti-abortion politicians around the country are passing extreme and harmful abortion bans, Connecticut’s elected leaders continue to lead the fight for reproductive freedom. 

In Congress, Planned Parenthood Action Fund-endorsed candidates, U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal, U.S. Representatives John Larson (CT-01), Joe Courtney (CT-02), Rosa DeLauro (CT-03), Jim Himes (CT-04), and Jahana Hayes (CT-05) have won reelection. These champions will each be an important vote in Congress to help pass national abortion rights protections.  

“Reproductive freedom proved to be one of the defining issues in this election, said Amanda Skinner, President of Planned Parenthood Votes! Connecticut. “By sending these champions back to Congress, Connecticut will have representatives in Washington who can fight back against efforts to pass a national abortion ban and focus on legislation that protects and expands access to reproductive health care, including abortion,” Skinner noted. 

The people of Connecticut want the right to make their own decisions about their bodies, lives, and futures. PPV!CT is ready to get to work with these elected champions to keep Connecticut moving forward and continue protecting and expanding access to reproductive health care—including abortion. 

Congratulations to the 2022 PPV!CT-Endorsed General Election Winners:

Constitutional Officers
Governor: Ned Lamont* 
Lieutenant Governor: Susan Bysiewicz*
Attorney General: William Tong*
Secretary of State: Stephanie Thomas
Treasurer: Erick Russell 
Comptroller: Sean Scanlon

View the complete list of the 2022 PPV!CT-endorsed general election winners here.

* : incumbent

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Planned Parenthood Votes! Connecticut (PPV!CT) is the 501(c)(4) advocacy and political arm of Planned Parenthood of Southern New England (PPSNE).