Democratic Rep. John Larson loses his primary to opponent calling for generational change

The 14-term Connecticut Democrat lost to former Hartford Mayor Luke Bronin in a heavily blue district, NBC News projects.

Democratic Rep. John Larson of Connecticut has lost his primary race to former Hartford Mayor Luke Bronin, NBC News projects, becoming the latest example of Democratic voters’ push to sweep out incumbent House members and replace them with younger leadership.

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Larson, 78, has been a fixture in Connecticut politics, having served for more than a decade in the state Legislature and almost three decades in Congress. A former member of party leadership, he touted his work on Social Security in Congress and had been backed by the state’s congressional delegation, House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, D-N.Y., and key unions.

Former Hartford Mayor Luke Bronin speaks in July.Jessica Hill / APBut Bronin, 47, mounted a serious campaign against him, calling for generational change and arguing that President Donald Trump’s second term called for new energy and new direction from Democratic lawmakers. Bronin raised more money than Larson and won over party activists at the state convention, winning the state party’s endorsement.

Larson is the 10th House member to lose a primary this year: seven Democrats and three Republicans.