John Larson (Incumbent)
Congressman John B. Larson proudly represents Connecticut’s First District. Now in his eleventh term, John sits on the influential House Ways and Means Committee—including the Subcommittee on Tax Policy and the Social Security Subcommittee, where he serves as the Chairman.
Throughout his time in Congress, John has proven himself a staunch advocate for Connecticut’s working families, our manufacturing and small business ecosystem, and commonsense solutions for the problems Americans face everyday.
Before entering Congress, John taught history and coached football at George J. Penney High School. In 1982, he was elected to the Connecticut State Senate, beginning a 12-year tenure representing the 3rd Senate District until 1995. Larson served as Senate President Pro Tempore for eight years from 1987 to 1995.
Born and raised in the federal housing project of Mayberry Village in East Hartford, John is fond of saying he is the product of public housing, public education, and public service.
Voting Record
We can tell a lot from a candidate about their voting record.
HeathCare / Veterans
- Voted YES for HR-3771 : South Asian Heart Awareness and Research Act of 2022
- Voted YES for HR-4040 : Advancing Telehealth Beyond COVID-19 Act of 2021
- Voted YES for S-3373 : Honoring our PACT Act of 2022
- Voted YES for HR-6833 : The Affordable Insulin Now Act
Voting Rights
- Voted NO for HR-8281 : Safeguard American Voter Eligibility Act
Reproductive Rights
- Co-Sponsor for HR-8373 : Right to Contraception Act
- Voted YES for HR-8297 : Ensuring Access to Abortion Act of 2022
- Voted YES for HR-8296 : Women’s Health Protection Act of 2022
Business
- Voted YES for HR-4346 : CHIPS and Science Act of 2022
- Voted YES for HR-7688 : Consumer Fuel Price Gouging Prevention Act
- Voted YES for HR-7790 : Infant Formula Supplemental Appropriations Act
LGBTQ+
- Co-Sponsor for HR-8404 : Respect for Marriage Act
- Voted YES for HR-4176 : LGBTQI+ Data Inclusion Act
- Voted YES for HR-3485 : Global Respect Act
2nd Amendment / Defense
- Voted YES for HR-6538 : Active Shooter Alert Act of 2022
- Voted YES for HR-1808 : Assault Weapons Ban of 2022
- Voted YES for HR-7910 : Protecting Our Kids Act
- Voted YES for S-2938 : Bipartisan Safer Communities Act
Defense
- Voted YES for HR-350 : Domestic Terrorism Prevention Act of 2022
- Voted YES for S-3522 : Ukraine Democracy Defense Lend-Lease Act of 2022
- Voted YES for HR-8146 : Police Our Border Act
Platform Issues
In 2024, John had an interview on “The Wheelhouse”, and an interview with Forbes in April 2024. We used the transcript and chatGPT to infer his policy positions based upon his statements.
Education
John Larson, having been a teacher himself, prioritizes the education of students. He advocates for upgrading and emphasizing civics and history education. He supports increasing salaries for teachers and believes that the federal government, although education funding is primarily a state and local responsibility, should contribute more to education funding, particularly in technology and resources needed in classrooms.
Elder Care
Larson emphasizes the need for Congress to act on enhancing Social Security, which he notes hasn’t been significantly updated in over 50 years. He proposes across-the-board increases in Social Security benefits, tax cuts for working seniors receiving Social Security, and the repeal of offsets that affect the benefits of retired public servants like teachers, firefighters, and police officers. He also highlights the importance of enhancing Medicare and Medicaid to meet the medical and pharmaceutical needs of the elderly.
Reproductive Rights
Larson expresses strong support for reproductive rights, particularly in light of the overturning of Roe v. Wade. He advocates for the protection of women’s rights to healthcare and body autonomy, emphasizing that Connecticut has been a leader in reproductive rights and should continue to lead. He supports making contraceptives and reproductive healthcare widely accessible and available.
Housing
Addressing the housing crisis, Larson acknowledges the sharp increase in housing prices and advocates for providing more affordable housing. He supports federal efforts to ensure adequate funding and collaboration with states and local communities to address housing needs effectively.
Economic Equality
Larson argues for lifting the cap on Social Security taxes for those earning over $400,000 to increase program funding, which he believes would address economic inequality. He criticizes the notion that Social Security is socialism, highlighting its role in reducing poverty and supporting the economy
Social Security
John Larson is highly focused on enhancing Social Security, which he describes as the nation’s primary anti-poverty program for both the elderly and children. He emphasizes the need for Congress to act, noting that it has been over 50 years since any significant improvements were made to Social Security. Larson advocates for across-the-board benefit increases, extended solvency of the program beyond 2066, and addressing poverty among beneficiaries by ensuring that Social Security checks do not fall below the poverty level
About John
Congressman John B. Larson proudly represents Connecticut’s First District. Now in his twelfth term, John sits on the influential House Ways and Means Committee—including the Subcommittee on Tax Policy and the Social Security Subcommittee, where he serves as the Chairman. Throughout his time in Congress, John has proven himself a staunch advocate for Connecticut’s working families, our manufacturing and small business ecosystem, and commonsense solutions for the problems Americans face everyday.
Born and raised in the federal housing project of Mayberry Village in East Hartford, John is fond of saying he is the product of public housing, public education, and public service. His father, Raymond, worked for Pratt & Whitney, while his mother, Pauline, served on the Town Council. John graduated from East Hartford High School in 1967 and from Central Connecticut State University (CCSU) in 1971.
Before entering Congress, John taught history and coached football at George J. Penney High School. He was also an owner of Larson & Lysik insurance agency, where he saw firsthand the challenges many small business owners must overcome. Following in his mother’s footsteps, serving on the East Hartford Board of Education and the East Hartford Town Council. In 1982, he was elected to the Connecticut State Senate, beginning a 12-year tenure representing the 3rd Senate District until 1995. Larson served as Senate President Pro Tempore for eight years from 1987 to 1995.
Dr. Larry Lazor
Larry is running for Congress to help fix our broken political system and to build a better future for your family, and the great state of Connecticut.
“We’re all frustrated with politics in Washington D.C. and today the Republican Party is in a fight for it’s soul. The Republican Party has a history of great leaders like Abraham Lincoln, Teddy Roosevelt and U.S. Senator Margaret Chase Smith.”
My campaign supports a break from the dishonest narrative and divisive vitriol that led to the January 6th attacks on the US Capital. Sound proposals, honest rhetoric, and respectful arguments are needed to counter the lack of trust that is damaging to our government and overshadows efforts to lower unemployment and grow wages.
As the next Congressman for Connecticut’s First Congressional District, he will work each and everyday to bring decency and common sense back to Congress.
The Case for Larry Lazor
Larry Lazor wrote an editorial for we-ha.com. In this editorial, he goes into great detail about multiple issues.
Platform Issues
- Crime : Pretty much everyone agrees that crime has increased significantly over the last year. Tragically, Hartford and the surrounding areas have been especially hard hit
- Economy : The federal government continues to spend at an alarming rate. It seems Washington believes we can spend and borrow without any concern about raising our nations debt. Connecticut must do better, and when I’m elected to Congress I will fight for the economy we deserve.
- Gun Rights : Larry Lazor supports universal background checks, an end to the gun show registration loophole, and increased red flag reporting.
- Healthcare : Healthcare will be a top priority when I’m elected to Congress. Although I disagree the United States should have a single payer system, I do feel everyone needs affordable healthcare.
- Education : As a thirty plus year physician and a Connecticut taxpayer, I believe in two things when it comes to educating our children: early education is critical and you get what you pay for.
- Foreign Policy : I believe in a strong military and a focused approach of building a coalition of countries to counter adversaries. Though not regularly reported on, there is a crisis at our border with Mexico. I believe in empathy but I do not believe in open borders.
Voting Record
Dr. Larry Lazor has no voting record, but in interviews he has commented how he would have voted on bills.
- Voted YES for Bipartisan Safer Communities Act (11:05 in the interview)
No Reply
We have reached out to the Lazor campaign multiple times to get his stances on various issues, and have not heard a reply. As we discover more, we will update this page.
Social Media
Larry Lazor’s twitter profile is active, and his facebook is not very active.
Meet Larry
I have been a physician at Hartford Hospital since 1990 as an OB/GYN. While the segue from medicine into politics doesn’t seem obvious at first, my interaction with almost 100 patients per week has opened my eyes and ears to people of many different and diverse backgrounds.
My wife and I have lived in the Hartford area for more than 50 years. We are parents of three children and since 1990, I have been a physician at Hartford Hospital. I’m a moderate Republican who believes we all benefit from a strong economy and promotion of business development. I believe in common sense solutions and that our two political parties need to change to make our government work effectively.
Hot Button Issues
A list of definitions for each issue can be found here.