John Larson (CT-1)

Biography

John B. Larson, born on July 22, 1948, in Hartford, Connecticut, is a Democratic politician serving as the U.S. Representative for Connecticut's 1st Congressional District since 1999. Raised in the Mayberry Village public housing project in East Hartford, he is the eldest of eight children. His father, Raymond, was a firefighter and Pratt & Whitney employee, while his mother, Pauline, served on the East Hartford Town Council. Larson is married to Leslie Best, and they have three children: Carolyn, Laura, and Raymond.

Education and Political Experience

• Education: Bachelor of Arts in Education from Central Connecticut State University, 1971.

• Professional Experience:

  • History teacher and football coach at George J. Penney High School.
  • Co-owner of Larson & Lysik insurance agency.

• Political Experience:

  • Member of the East Hartford Board of Education and Town Council .
  • Connecticut State Senator for the 3rd District , serving as Senate President Pro Tempore .
  • U.S. Representative for Connecticut's 1st Congressional District .
  • Vice Chair of the House Democratic Caucus .
  • Chair of the House Democratic Caucus .
  • Member of the House Ways and Means Committee, serving as Ranking Member of the Subcommittees on Tax Policy and Social Security.

Notable Achievements

• Legislation: Authored and passed the nation's first Family Medical Leave Act during his tenure in the Connecticut State Senate, which served as a model for the national law.

• Manufacturing Advocacy: Secured Pratt & Whitney as the sole producer of engines for the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter and other military aircraft, supporting Connecticut's manufacturing sector.

• Social Security: Introduced the Social Security 2100 Act to enhance benefits and ensure the program's solvency for future generations.

• Gun Violence Prevention: Supported the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act, the first significant gun safety reform in decades, aiming to protect children and reduce violence.

Throughout his career, Representative Larson has been a steadfast advocate for Connecticut's working families, focusing on issues such as education reform, healthcare access, and economic development.