https://larson.house.gov

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

Voting Rights

Reproductive Rights

Business

LGBTQ+

2nd Amendment / Defense

Defense

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.