Christopher Shea, a retired U.S. Navy SEAL and North Haven firefighter, has officially entered the race for the 5th District Congressional seat in Connecticut. Shea announced his candidacy on October 5, 2023, seeking the Republican nomination for a position currently held by Democrat Jahana Hayes, who has represented the district since 2019.
In his announcement, Shea emphasized the need for new leadership in the district, stating, “Connecticut’s Fifth District is hardworking and grounded in common sense. Our current representative has chosen a different path—consistently siding with the most extreme voices in Washington and backing policies that drive up energy costs, undermine public safety, and leave working families like mine paying the price.”
Shea’s military background is notable; he joined the U.S. Navy in 1991 and has over three decades of service. His deployments have included locations such as Sarajevo, Afghanistan, and Mexico. He is also the founder of the nonprofit organization Hero to Hero, which supports veterans and their families. Shea remarked, “I’ve spent my entire adult life serving this country—overseas in uniform and here at home protecting our communities. That sense of duty doesn’t end at retirement. I’m running for Congress to put people over politics, restore common sense in Washington, and make sure families in Connecticut’s Fifth District can get ahead again.”
Shea’s campaign message centers around “service, accountability, and common-sense leadership.” He aims to prioritize stability, affordability, and accountability in Washington. His entry into the race adds to the list of declared Republican candidates, which also includes Jonathan De Barros of Plymouth and Michele Botelho of Danbury.
The 5th District encompasses a diverse area, including all of Litchfield County and parts of the Farmington Valley, as well as sections of New Haven and Fairfield counties. As the campaign progresses, Shea’s military and public service background may resonate with voters seeking a candidate with a strong commitment to community and national service.
With the race heating up, Shea’s challenge will be to differentiate himself from both his Republican opponents and the incumbent representative. As the election approaches, issues such as public safety, energy costs, and economic stability are likely to dominate discussions among candidates and constituents alike.
